Gianpiero Dalla Zuanna

Planned and Unplanned Births and Conceptions in Italy, 1970-1995

Using FFS data on births andofficial data on abortions, focus is firstgiven to trends in planned and unplannedpregnancies during 1970–1995, comparing Italywith the USA and France. The next step is topinpoint groups where unplanned events are morecommon. Finally, the relationship betweenunplanned births and changes in contraceptivebehaviour is examined.The planned fertility decline distinguishesItaly from other Western countries. Unplannedbirths and abortions have also declinedconsiderably during the last twenty years.However, some caution is urged before it may beassumed that Italians are the masters of theirown fertility as, during the first half of1990s, 37% of conceptions were unplanned (atthe moment of the event), reaching 45% amongunder 20 and over 35 years old women.

Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes of Students in the Moscow State University

This article is focused on the sexual attitudes and behaviour, and knowledge of AIDS of a group of students of Moscow State University. Reference will also be made to surveys dating back to the beginning of the century, when Russia and then the Soviet Republic were at the forefront in this field of research, in that they help throw light on past trends and present tendencies.The first sexual intercourse (FSI) is relatively early for male students (median age = 17.7) and relatively late for females (18.9). Mean number of partners per year is not low, and it is the same for both males and females (almost 1.7). This is not the case in Western countries. Moreover, contraception at FSI is at a low level. Sexual attitudes are permissive -- particularly concerning infidelity -- and there is a general concern regarding the spread of AIDS. However, specific knowledge about AIDS transmission is lacking.