Sexual and reproductive knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in a school going population of Sri Lankan adolescents
Rajapaksa-Hewageegana, N.; Piercy, H.; Salway, S.; Samarage, S.
Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Official Journal of the Swedish Association of Midwives 6(1): 3-8
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1877-5764 PMID: 25637417 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2014.08.001Document Number: 626698
The reproductive and sexual health of adolescents is an important health concern and a focus of global attention. In Sri Lanka, a lack of understanding about adolescent reproductive and sexual health needs is a matter of national concern. A survey was undertaken to examine the sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of school going adolescents in Sri Lanka. A random sample of schools was selected from one district. Data were collected by a self-completion questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Response rate was 90%. 2020 pupils (26% boys, 74% girls) aged 16-19 years (mean=16.9) participated, the majority Sinhalese (97%). Most reported a good parent-child relationship (88%). A minority (34%) discussed sexual issues with parents. Health professionals were the preferred source of sexual information (32%) rather than parents (12.5%) or friends (5.6%). Less than 1% demonstrated satisfactory sexual and reproductive knowledge levels. 1.7% were sexually active (30 boys vs 5 girls), the majority with same age partners. 57% used contraception at first intercourse. There is an imperative to address the lack of sexual and reproductive knowledge. A minority of school going adolescents become sexually active. These individuals are potentially vulnerable and services need to be developed to meet their needs.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
