Johannesburg | Tuesday
EIGHT in 10 South Africans (80%) are concerned about contracting HIV/AIDS or another sexually transmitted infection, but many are not protecting themselves, a major international sex survey revealed.
The 2001 Durex Global sex Survey, carried out in 28 countries worldwide, found almost a fifth of South Africans (19%) are taking no measures to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.
Of those who do, only 14% insist on using a condom for casual sex and just 6% would ask their partner about their sexual history.
Although condoms are the most popular form of contraception in South Africa, used by 48%, 11% admit they use nothing at all.
”Although many people are taking measures to protect themselves, it is worrying that there is still a large number who are choosing to take risks,” said Keli Wakfer, SA Durex representative.
”HIV/Aids and infections such as chlamydia present a real threat to health throughout the world. Durex conducts this international survey on an annual basis to assist healthcare professionals in communicating this important message.”
The survey by Durex, the world’s leading condom brand, found South African lovers are becoming more passionate by the year. They make love 116 times a year, increasing from 107 last year.
Their increased libido has put South Africa up among the most sexually active nations in the world, ahead of Italians (111), Britons (107), and Dutch (94). However, the Americans (124) are still out in front.
South African teenagers tend to hold on to their virginity until a later age than in other countries. In the USA, the average age of first sex is 16 and in France 16,7, but in South Africa it is 17,2.
And South Africans also have fewer sexual partners, averaging 8,2, compared with Americans (14,3). However, 9% of those interviewed in South Africa said they had had more than 20 partners.
Wakfer said: ”This wide-ranging survey is the largest ever undertaken by Durex and explores sexual attitudes and behaviour across 28 countries around the globe, including South Africa.”
The survey found the average age for first receiving sex education in school in South Africa is 14,8. However, 32% said they did not learn about sex in the classroom.
Mothers are the preferred source of sex education for 25 % of South Africans, with 20% opting to learn at school. One in 10 say they would prefer to rely on friends.
Having sex is the number one pastime of 15% of the nation’s adults, but a larger proportion (21%) would prefer to socialise with friends and 14% most enjoy shopping or watching television.
Some 12% said they receive the greatest pleasure from going to work.
The beach is where a quarter of South Africans would most like to make love, with 23% picking a jacuzzi, spa or hot tub. However 9% prefer a more domestic setting and would like to have sex on the kitchen table.
Personality is by far the biggest initial point of attraction to the opposite sex with 42% saying this is the most important factor in choosing a partner. Another 19% fall for a sense of humour and 13% are swayed by good looks. – Sapa