Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Risk and Preventive Behaviors toward Premarital Sexual Practice among In-School Adolescents

Abstract

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.

Risky Sexual Behavior Among Heterosexual Male Turkish University Students

“…To give an example of the studies on this subject, the effect of information on HIV/AIDS on the sexual practices of sex workers was not found significant in Brazil (Patricio et al, 2019). Similarly, multicomponent communitybased intervention study in Zimbabwe found lack of relationship between HIV knowledge and HIV risk of the participants (Yau et al, 2020). These findings could show that individuals do not act rationally and in a planned manner in their sexual relations.…”

Knowledge and practices of female students at University of Kara regarding sexually transmitted infections in Togo, 2021

“…The median age of female students was 21 years and we note that young people are sexually active during this period of their lives. 16,17 However, the proportion of female students who use condoms during sexual intercourse remains low. This can be explained by the unavailability of condoms or by the high cost of condoms (a box of 24 condoms costs 6480 CFA Francs equivalent to 9.87 Euros).…”

“…Several studies on students show that special attention should be paid to this target group. 16,17 Some of the results of these studies show that most young people have unprotected sex with their partners, others have several sexual partners, and some have sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 11,[18][19][20][21] In Togo, few data exist on vaccination against STIs, notably hepatitis B (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV).…”

“… 11 , 14 , 15 They are at high risk of contracting STIs and HIV because of the early sexual initiation and the inconsistent use of condoms. 16 , 17 Good knowledge of STIs among this population is an important tool for preventing the transmission of these diseases. Several studies on students show that special attention should be paid to this target group.…”

Processo de adesão do adolescente à assistência odontológica na atenção primária, sob a perspectiva de seus familiares

“…O jovem pode ficar 'refratário' e reclamar da supervisão dos pais. É necessário sensibilidade para modificar atitudes de excesso de vigilância, valorizando e incentivando autonomia dos jovens (Yau et al, 2020). Apesar de acontecer esta separação progressiva da família, Matos & Lembruber (2017) nos chamam a atenção para a necessidade deste adolescente se sentir incluído na vida familiar, respeitado dentro de um espaço em que sua espontaneidade e nuances possam ser expressas.…”