2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS4)

The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) is a series of national surveys of Filipino youth conducted since 1982 by the UP Population Institute and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation. It gathers nationally and regionally representative information from young people aged 15–24.

The fourth survey round was conducted in response to rapid changes in communications technology, the changing employment landscape, and emerging reproductive-health concerns affecting young Filipinos. These included HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, premarital sex, and teenage pregnancy.

YAFS4 retained the principal topics covered by the previous survey rounds while expanding its coverage. It added a Health and Lifestyle section, including a short depression scale, and broadened its Media section to cover social media, cellphone use, and cyberbullying.

The survey also collected information on education, employment, relationships, social roles, values and attitudes, and sexual and non-sexual risk behaviors. Its findings provide evidence that supports youth-focused education, health programs, and public policy.

YAFS4 was co-funded by the Australian Government, the United Nations Population Fund, the Department of Health, and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.