In Norway, Finland, and Denmark, the proportion of those who have used a condom in the past year has decreased in 2024 compared to 2023.
In Sweden, 40 percent state that they have used a condom in the past year, which is the highest of the four countries, while Norway is at the bottom with 35 percent. However, condom use is decreasing among younger Swedes.
Earlier years' positive trend, we believe, was reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic. Many young people became more aware of their health and thought a lot about risks and protection. Since then, it has decreased a bit, says Anette Otterström, Nordic brand and communications manager at RFSU AB.
Accessibility may affect
Pelle Ullholm, sex educator at RFSU, also believes that it may be due to sex education in school.
It may be time for a renewal, since it's a new generation being educated, he says and continues:
Other factors that may influence the development are that the proportion of young men who visit youth clinics has decreased, and it's often there that they get access to condoms. At the same time, several regions have also reduced access to condoms in schools.
When it comes to using a condom at sexual debut, Finland is the best. 70 percent of Finns between 16 and 35 years old reported using a condom at debut. In Sweden and Norway, the figures are 57 and 56 percent, respectively.
Finns are also the best at suggesting condoms when having sex with a new partner.
In Finland, condoms are a natural preventive method, and the attitude is fundamentally positive. They are widely available and can be bought in all stores. While Norway is a bit of the opposite, where the attitude towards condoms is more negative and they are used more selectively, says Anette Otterström.
"Difficult in the sharp situation"
In all countries, there is a gap between how many say they want to use a condom and how many actually do in practice. The difference between intention and action has, on average, increased in the entire Nordic region.
Many probably think it's difficult in the sharp situation. The majority of young people today are used to digital communication, they are not as used to being in social situations in physical spaces. But we see that the ambition is there, so what's needed is the right support and conditions, says Pelle Ullholm.
RFSU has annually conducted the "Condom Check" survey since 2009 to map sexual and condom habits in all Nordic countries except Iceland.
In the survey, 1,000 Swedes between 16 and 65 were interviewed via online panels. The selection is nationally representative.
40 percent of Swedes state that they have used a condom in the past year.
30 percent state that the condom is their most common contraceptive method.
51 percent used a condom at their sexual debut.
44 percent used a condom the last time they had sex with a new partner, a decrease from the previous year when the proportion was 47 percent.
55 percent think it's easy to suggest a condom when they have sex with a new partner.
