The rural mural: sexuality and diversity in rural youth research report

This research, undertaken by the National Centre in HIV Social Research - Program in Youth/General Population, was set up to document and understand the factors pertaining to the sexual health behaviours, knowledge and issues of rural young people and to determine the barriers that these young people face in practising safe sex. We found that just over a quarter of the young people surveyed had commenced having sexual intercourse and that many more were exploring sexual touching with their partners. This suggests that it is crucial that rural youth have access to the appropriate services and resources that will enable them to take responsibility for their sexual health.

La Trobe University. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society