Only one out of 10 Filipinos use protection when having sexual intercourse, according to PhilCare's 2019 Wellness Index.

The respondents questioned for the survey included over 1,350 Filipinos from across the country.

The survey found that 30 percent that used condoms said they did so to prevent pregnancy. While 40 percent said that they used condoms to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Surprisingly, the index found that two out of 10 young adults, from ages 18 to 30, always used protection. Condom use drastically declined for old respondents, however, especially for those in the 40 to 50 age range.

The results of the survey are particularly alarming considering the rising number of HIV infections in the country. But, since 2017, the Philippines has had the lowest condom use in Asia. According to MIMS, "just 30 percent of the population [use] condoms."

The PhilCare Wellness Index is the only study in the country that looks at the health and wellness of Filipinos. Lead research Dr. Fernando Paragas says that the index covers psychological, physical, medical, nutritional, financial, and lifestyle aspects.

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"There is more to health than just the absence of disease," said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco. "Our vision is to help promote a brand of health that is holistic and inclusive. The PhilCare Wellness Index gives us a clear picture on where we are when it comes to wellness and, more importantly, it charts a clear path on how far we can go to promote health among Filipinos."

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h/t: ABS-CBN News