ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN CANADA: A REPORT CARD IN 2004.

The article summarizes a report on trends in Canadian teen pregnancy, abortion and birth rates for the years 1974 to 2000. Published data from the "Canadian Youth, Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Study," are used to compare key indicators of adolescent sexual behavior measured in 1988 and 2002. There are data used to identify age-related trends in adolescent contraceptive and safer sex behavior. Corroborative data from other studies are included throughout the report. The data presented and discussed were used for the purposes of identifying priorities for adolescent sexual health care provision and sexual health education. A brief guide to conducting a clinical sexual health risk assessment with adolescent patients and clients that recognizes the diversity and emphasizes the importance of dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.