Sexual Behaviours

Figure 1. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 1. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 1

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 88.1% (83.1, 91.8) of the population 15 to 49 reported ever having sex.  In Ontario, the percentage that reported ever having sex is decreasing slightly over time.

Figure 2. Respondents, 15 to 19, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

*Use with caution due to high variability

Table 2. Respondents, 15 to 19, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*Use with caution due to high variability

Interpretation for Figure 2

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 43.4*% (25.9, 62.8) of the population 15 to 19 reported ever having sex.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

*Use with caution due to high variability

Figure 3. Respondents, 20 to 34, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 3. Respondents, 20 to 34, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 3

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 91.2% (82.3, 95.8) of the population 20 to 34 reported ever having sex.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario.  In Ontario, the percentage of respondents, 20 to 34, that reported ever having sex is decreasing slightly over time. 

Figure 4. Respondents, 35 to 49, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 4. Respondents, 35 to 49, who have ever had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 4

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 98.2% (94.3, 99.5) of the population 35 to 49 reported ever having sex.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

Figure 5. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, by sex, KFL&A

Table 5. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, by sex, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 5

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 86.2% (76.9, 92.2) of the male population and 89.9% (84.5, 93.6) of the female population, 15 to 49, reported ever having sex.  There are no differences between sexes in KFL&A, no differences between KFL&A and Ontario, and no trends in either males or females in KFL&A over time are seen.

Figure 6. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, by sex, Ontario

Table 6. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had sex, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 6

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 83.9% (82.7, 85.1) of the male population and 84.6% (83.5, 85.6) of the female population, 15 to 49, reported ever having sex.  There are no differences between sexes in Ontario.  There are also no differences in sexes between KFL&A and Ontario.

Figure 7. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 7. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 7

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 90.2% (83.7, 94.3) of the population 15 to 49, that reported ever having sex, had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

Figure 8. Respondents, 15 to 19*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 8. Respondents, 15 to 19*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 8

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 94.4% (75.7, 98.9) of the population 15 to 19, that reported ever having sex, had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

Figure 9. Respondents, 20 to 34*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 9. Respondents, 20 to 34*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 9

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 88.6% (76.7, 94.8) of the population 20 to 34 had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

Figure 10. Respondents, 35 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 10. Respondents, 35 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 10

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 91.5% (83.4, 95.8) of the population 35 to 49 had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario and no trends over time are seen.

Figure 11. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 11. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 11

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 83.8% (70.3, 91.8) of the male population and 96% (92.0, 98.1) of the female population, 15 to 49, had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between sexes in KFL&A and no trends over time are seen.  There are also no differences in sexes between KFL&A and Ontario.

Figure 12. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Table 12. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who had sex in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*This question was asked of respondents who reported ever having sex.

Interpretation for Figure 12

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 92.0% (91.0, 93.0) of the male population and 91.8% (90.8, 92.7) of the female population, 15 to 49, had sex in the previous 12 months.  There are no differences between sexes in Ontario.  There are also no differences in sexes between KFL&A and Ontario.

Figure 13. Average age at first sexual intercourse, 15 to 19, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 13. Average age at first sexual intercourse, 15 to 49, KFL&A and Ontario, Average (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 13

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, the average age at first sexual intercourse was 17.2% (16.8, 17.6) years, which was significantly lower than 18.3% (18.1, 18.4) years in Ontario.  There are no trends seen over time in either KFL&A or Ontario.

Figure 14. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 14. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 14

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 85.0% (78.0, 90.0) of respondents 15 to 49 had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, which was similar to 86.1% (85.1, 87.0) in Ontario.  In Ontario, the proportion of respondents who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months has decreased slightly over time.  No trends over time are seen in KFL&A.

Figure 15. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had two sexual partners in the previous 12 months, Ontario

Table 15. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had two sexual partners in the previous 12 months, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 15

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 7.2% (6.5, 8.0) of respondents 15 to 49 had two sexual partners in the previous 12 months.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

Figure 16. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had 3+ sexual partners in the previous 12 months, Ontario

Table 16. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had 3+ sexual partners in the previous 12 months, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 16

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 6.7% (6.1, 7.5) of respondents 15 to 49 had 3+ sexual partners in the previous 12 months.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

Figure 17. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A

Table 17. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 17

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 82.6% (68.9, 91.1) of the male population and 86.8% (80.0, 91.6) of the female population, 15 to 49, had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months.  There were no differences seen between males and females, although this may be due to small sample sizes.  In Ontario, a larger proportion of females had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months than males. 

Figure 18. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario

Table 18. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 18

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 83.2% (81.7, 84.7) of the male population and 88.9% (87.7, 90.1) of the female population, 15 to 49, had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months.  A larger proportions of females had one sexual partner in the previous 12 months than males.  There are no differences in sexes between KFL&A and Ontario.

The following figure shows information for respondents who have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, STI.  Please note these questions were not asked in the 2000 and 2001 CCHS survey.

Figure 19. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had an STI, Ontario

Table 19. Respondents, 15 to 49, who have ever had an STI, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 19

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 6.9% (6.1, 7.6) of the population, 15 to 49, have ever had a sexually transmitted infection, STI.  The percentage of those who have ever had an STI is increasing over time in Ontario. Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

Figure 20. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario

*does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Table 20. Respondents, 15 to 49*, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

* does not include respondents who are married or in common-law, one partner relationships.

Interpretation for Figure 20

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 45.0% (33.5, 57.1) of respondents 15 to 49* used a condom at last sexual intercourse, which was similar to Ontario, 54.5% (52.3, 56.7).  It is unclear if there was a decreasing trend on Ontario over time.  The percentage of respondents 15 to 49* used a condom at last sexual intercourse in 2013 and 2014 was lower than 2005, 2007 and 2008, and 2009 and 2010, but not lower than 2003 and 2011 and 2012.  Future years of data may help to provide clarification.

*does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Figure 21. Respondents, 15 to 19**, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario

*Use with caution due to high variability

**does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Table 21. Respondents, 15 to 19**, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*Use with caution due to high variability

** does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Interpretation for Figure 21

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 55.6*% (28.9, 79.4) of respondents 15 to 19** used a condom at last sexual intercourse.  Due to small sample sizes this estimate should be used with caution and should not be compared to Ontario.

*Use with caution due to high variability

**does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Figure 22. Respondents, 20 to 34**, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario

*Use with caution due to high variability

**does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Table 22. Respondents, 20 to 34**, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*Use with caution due to high variability

** does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Interpretation for Figure 22

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 58.7% (42.8, 73.0) of respondents 20 to 34** used a condom at last sexual intercourse, which was similar to 54.6% (51.6, 57.4) in Ontario.  There are no differences between KFL&A and Ontario.  In Ontario, the proportion of respondents 20 to 34** used a condom at last sexual intercourse was slightly lower in 2013 and 2014 than 2011 and 2012, although more years of data are needed to clarify if there is a decreasing trend.

**does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Figure 23. Respondents, 35 to 49*, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, Ontario

*does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Table 23. Respondents, 35 to 49*, who used a condom at last sexual intercourse, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

* does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationship.

Interpretation for Figure 23

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 54.6% (50.0, 59.5) of respondents 35 to 49* used a condom at last sexual intercourse.  The percentage of respondents 35 to 49* used a condom at last sexual intercourse in Ontario in 2013 and 2014 is higher than all previous years.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes. 

*does not include respondents who are married or in a common-law, one partner relationships.

Figure 24.  Respondents, 15 to 24*, for whom it is important to avoid getting pregnant right now, Ontario

Table 24.  Respondents, 15 to 24*, for whom it is important to avoid getting pregnant right now, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*does not include those who have never had sex

Interpretation for Figure 24

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 94.3% (92.5, 95.8) population, 15 to 24*, felt it was important to avoid getting pregnant right now.  There are no trends over time.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

*does not include those who have never had sex. 

Figure 25.  Respondents, 15 to 24*, for whom it is important to avoid getting pregnant right now, by sex, Ontario

*does not include those who have never had sex

Table 25.  Respondents, 15 to 24*, for whom it is important to avoid getting pregnant right now, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*does not include those who have never had sex

Interpretation for Figure 25

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 9 4.2% (91.6, 96.1) of the male population and 94.5% (91.7, 96.4) of the female population, 15 to 24, felt it was important to avoid getting pregnant right now.  There are no differences between sexes and no trends over time are seen.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

*does not include those who have never had sex.

Figure 26. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 26.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 26

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 88.9% (74.5, 95.7) of respondents, 15 to 24, usually used birth control with their partner, which is similar to 79.1% (76.1, 81.8) in Ontario.  The proportion of respondents, 15 to 24, usually used birth control with their partner in Ontario in 2013 and 2014 is lower than the proportion in 2003.  

Figure 27. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A 

Table 27.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, by sex, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 27

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 97.5% (79.3, 99.8) of the male population and 83.0% (61.3, 93.8) of the female population, 15 to 24, usually used birth control with their partner.  There are no differences between sexes, with Ontario, or trends over time.

Figure 28. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario

Table 28.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control with their partner, in the previous 12 months, by sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 28

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 79.1% (74.6, 82.9) of the male population and 79.1% (75.3, 82.5) of the female population, 15 to 24, usually used birth control with their partner.  There are no differences between sexes or trends over time.

Figure 29. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used a condom when they had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

*Use with caution due to high variability.

Table 29.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used a condom when they had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*Use with caution due to high variability.

Interpretation for Figure 29

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 53.7% (34.6, 71.8) of respondents, 15 to 24, usually used a condom when they had sex, which is similar to 62.7% (59.4, 65.9) in Ontario.  No trends over time are seen.

Figure 30. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used the birth control pill when they had sex, KFL&A and Ontario

Table 30.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used the birth control pill when they had sex, KFL&A and Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure 30

In 2013 and 2014 in KFL&A, 65.2% (47.7, 79.3) of respondents, 15 to 24, used the birth control pill when they had sex, which is similar to 64.2% (60.9, 67.4) in Ontario.  No trends over time are seen.

Figure 31. Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control injections (Deprovera) when they had sex, Ontario

*Use with caution due to high variability.

Table 31.  Respondents, 15 to 24, who usually used birth control injections (Deprovera) when they had sex, Ontario, % (95% Confidence Interval)

*Use with caution due to high variability.

Interpretation for Figure 31

In 2013 and 2014 in Ontario, 6.7% (5.0, 8.9) of respondents, 15 to 24, used birth control injections (Deprovera) when they had sex.  The proportion who used of birth control injections was increasing over time.  Percentages are not shown for KFL&A due to small sample sizes.

Researchers look at the "confidence levels" of percentages being compared to decide if there is a statistically significant difference between percentages.   If the 95% confidence intervals of two estimates do not overlap, there is considered to be a significant difference between the estimates.  A statistically significant difference means that:

• the difference between two percentages is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, and
• there is likely a true difference or change in the percentages.

In this report, 95% confidence intervals will accompany each percentage in all figures and tables.  The true or actual percentage falls within the 95% confidence interval range 95 times out of 100.  A wide confidence interval reflects a large amount of variability or imprecision.  Usually, the larger the sample size, the narrower the confidence intervals.  In tables, the 95% confidence intervals will be written with the percentage, followed by the 95% confidence interval range in brackets, e.g., 25.3% (12.3, 32.4).  In figures, the 95% confidence interval are represented by error bars at the top of each bar (column).