Premarital Sexual Practice (PSP) among adolescents usually involves sexually risky behaviors, such as multiple sexual partners and inconsistent or non-condom use. These behaviors, in combination with other underlining factors, undermine the overall outcomes of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH). To assess the adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes and perception of risk and preventive behaviors towards PSP, a school-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 423 students aged 15 through 19 years. A well-validated anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used for collecting the data, which were analyzed using mean (SD), frequency (%), t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression methods. Participants’ knowledge of risk and preventive behaviors was average, as only 53% of knowledge items were correctly answered. Being a female, of high-income status, in the second study year, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity were significant determinants of knowledge. All measures of perception except perceived self-efficacy were positive determinants of attitude. Being female, in the third study year and of high-income status were determinants of perception as measured by perceived self-efficacy. Therefore, our results suggest that tailored educational programs, with special emphasis on financially disadvantaged male adolescents, are needed to effectively increase adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception of risk and protective behaviors towards PSP.

This study aimed to identify the determinants of preventive intention on sexual behaviours using the theory of planned behaviour among the junior high school students in lower northern region of Thailand. Acrosssectional study with self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect survey data. Amultistage sampling technique was used to select informants. The strongest positive association with preventive intention on sexual behaviours was found for perceived self-efficacy towards preventing sexual intention. Perceived self-efficacy, perceived social belief, and perceived peer pressure/social influence had positive and significant (P< 0.001) effect on preventive intention on sexual behaviours, while perceived attitude had negative and significant (P< 0.001) effect on preventive intention on sexual behaviours. Students' behavioural intention significantly predicted preventive intention on sexual behaviours among the junior high school students in lower northern region of Thailand. The school administrators could use the theory of planned behaviour to promote sexual education programme for junior high school students. Theory of planned behaviour; preventive intention; sexual behaviours; junior high school students

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with contraceptive use among school-going adolescents.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among vocational school students in Phitsanulok, Northern Thailand. The study employed a multistage random sampling technique to select 391 students from three schools that were purposively selected.FindingsThe prevalence of contraceptive use during the most recent sexual intercourse was 75.8%. The condom was the most commonly used contraceptive method, followed by emergency pills and the rhythm/calendar method. Being male, in the second academic year, sexual communication with parents, sex with a casual partner or sex worker and contraceptive use at sexual initiation were significant risk factors for contraceptive use (p < 0.05). The preventive factors were subdistrict municipality area residency, extended family, medium or high income and partners who drank (p < 0.05).Originality/valueThe authors found a high prevalence of contraceptive use among school-going adolescents. Maintaining and improving this trend would require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to promote early sexuality communication and ensure access and use of contraceptive services.

This study investigated factors affecting the preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviours among junior high school students in lowernorthern region of Thailand. A cross-sessional study was conducted. Stepwise regression model was used to run multiple linear regression. Self-awareness was the best predictor of the preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviours for having the biggest coefficient (Beta coefficient equal to 0.696, t = 19.183, P = 0.001). Self-awareness had positive and significant effect on preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviour. High education levels of parents had more positive and significant effects on the preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviour compared to low levels of education. Consulting parents had more positive and significant effect on premarital sexual behaviours compared to not consulting any person. Thai sexual education needs to be extended to parents of students to induce the preventive intention on premarital sexual behaviours among junior high school students.

This descriptive research aimed to investigate the factors affecting performance among village health volunteers (VHVs). The sample participants were 598 VHVs in Sukhothai Province, Thailand. They were selected by using the systematic random sampling technique. In this research, a questionnaire was employed for the data collection, after which the data were analysed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The study results showed that knowledge, role perception, social support, and work motivation were at a high level, whereas attitude and performance were at a moderate level. Work motivation was the strongest predictor of performance among VHVs, followed by role perception, number of other positions in the communities, knowledge, agricultural occupation, duration of being VHVs, and attitude. In combination, all these factors could predict the performance of the VHVs at 26.5% with a statistical significance of 0.05. According to the study results, related agencies should arrange training programs as a means of enhancing attitude towards work operation and role perception, and should create work motivation of VHVs to further increase their effectiveness of performance.