Perceived behavior and practices of adolescents on sexual and reproductive health and associated factors in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a period of both opportunities and threats. It is an episode of exploring new options and ideas as opportunity. It is also a phase in life marked by vulnerability to risky sexual behavior and underprivileged reproductive health outcomes. Due to the deficiency of courtesy and proper guidance, millions of adolescents are facing the problems of teenage pregnancy, unsafe-abortion, psycho-social abomination, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. The aim of the study was to explore the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) practices, perceived behavior, and associated factors among the adolescents. Materials and Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2007 in different educational institutions of Kathmandu. Information was collected from 417 adolescents using pretested and self-administered questionnaire with their informed consent. Analysis was done using computer database SPSS-12.5 version applying appropriate statistical rules. Results were presented in tabular, graphical, and narrative forms. Results: The mean age of respondents was 17.7 ΁ 0.86 years and 57.9% of them were in grade XII. About 70.9% had good practice on Sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Most of them (83.9%) were informed on SRH via radio, TV or the internet (98.63%) and through books and newspapers (94.52%). About (22.9%) were involved in premarital sex in which 75.0% of them used condom. About 44.2% discussed on the SRH issues with family members. Gender, family income, family types, and knowledge of SRH were found significant (P < 0.05) factors affecting SRH practice. Conclusion: Nearly one quarter of the adolescents under the study had been involved in premarital sexual contact. Half of them were found to discuss on SRH with their family members. Awareness and curriculum based teaching-learning activities will support to reduce the consequences of premarital sexual contact and teenage pregnancy.

Keywords

• Adolescents
• higher secondary level students
• perceived behavior
• practice
• reproductive health
• sexual health