Publication:

Knowledge and attitude about reproductive and sexual health among higher secondary school students in a taluk of Tamil Nadu

Background Many adolescents in higher secondary schools, who become sexually active, do so without accurate information about reproductive and sexual health. This lack of information can put them at risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 464 secondary school going adolescent students of Chengalpattu Taluk using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising questions to assess the knowledge on reproduction, contraception and HIV/STD and the attitude on sexual risk behaviour. The data was analysed using MS excel and SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as rate, ratio and proportions were calculated.

Results The average level of knowledge on reproduction, contraception and STD/HIV was 38.5%, 34.75% and 45.5% respectively. Only 18% gave correct response to questions “there is problem if a girl does not get period 14 years” and “it is dangerous to have intercourse during a girl’s period”. Majority of 80% knew pregnancy happens when sperm fertilizes ovum and 80.6% gave incorrect answer to question that “letting semen drip out of the female organ after sex prevents pregnancy”. Almost 50% were ignorant that it is possible to have more than one STD. As many as 42.5% agreed about having sex with several people for their age. Only 52% agreed to use condom if sexually active. 56.2% disagreed to popularity of boy or girl who has sexual intercourse.

Conclusions The students lack correct information about sexuality issues in general which could be due to insufficient sexual education by schools and parents. Hence it becomes essential to include reproductive and sex education programs in all higher secondary schools.