THE research objectives of the study were defined as:
• To establish baseline data that will enable key variables to be monitored, replicated and tracked over time.
• To provide nationally representative statistical data describing levels of sexual knowledge attitudes and behaviours in Ireland, to better inform policy and practice.
• To understand the factors (behavioural, attitudinal and knowledge level) related to the broad spectrum of sexual behaviour and practice and to feed this information into policy and practice.
• Key sexual behaviours and practices of interest include risk-reductive behaviours, protective behaviours, positive and negative sexual health outcomes.
• To generate a better understanding of the factors that contribute to unplanned pregnancy, STIs and the interrelationships between these factors.
• To examine this data with respect to key variables (eg, urban/rural categories, gender, education levels) so as to assess any significant patterns with respect to behaviour, attitudes or service usage, for example.
• To compare findings with international data and with previous Irish data and to feed this information into policy and practice.