Sexual wellbeing in early adolescence: a cross-sectional assessment among girls and boys in urban Indonesia

Abstract

Background Early adolescence (ages 10–14) is a critical period of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, which affect sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Yet, little is known about positive or healthy aspects of sexuality development during this period of life, especially in South East Asia where sexual norms remain restrictive. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual wellbeing among early adolescent girls and boys ages 10–14 years in Indonesia. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Global Early Adolescent Study via a school-based survey in three Indonesian urban sites in 2018 (N = 4309). We assessed the prevalence of multiple indicators of sexual wellbeing (e.g. SRHR knowledge and communication, gender attitudes, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, freedom from violence) and tested for differences by sex using Chi-square, Student t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of selected indicators in relation to sociodemographic factors, romantic relationship status, and sexual activities. Results The mean age of students was 12 years (53% girls); 90% had started puberty. SRHR knowledge and communication was low overall, but higher among boys than girls. Boys were more likely than girls to report high body satisfaction, less feelings of guilt in relation to sexuality, but also to have experienced physical peer violence. In contrast, girls were more likely to hold gender equal attitudes, greater perceived self-efficacy to say ‘no’, and to report being bullied by boys. In multivariable models, romantic relationship experiences, perceived voice (boys and girls) and decision-making (girls) were associated with three or more indicators of sexual wellbeing. Conclusions While young adolescents in Indonesia score high on some aspects of sexual wellbeing, misconceptions, feelings of guilt and uncertainties related to sexuality are common, with clear gender differences. These findings confirm the need for comprehensive sexuality education that begins early in adolescence.

Healthy sexuality development in adolescence: proposing a competency-based framework to inform programmes and research

“…body image, comfort with pubertal development, self-efficacy), as illustrated in a recent study where we analysed data from the Indonesian arm of the GEAS. 36 , 63…”

“…Drawing on empowerment theory, the framework highlights six key domains of competencies for healthy sexuality development in the form of knowledge, skills and attitudes : (1) sexual literacy, (2) gender equitable attitudes, (3) respect for human rights and understanding of consent, (4) critical reflection skills, (5) coping skills and stress management, and (6) interpersonal relationship skills. These competencies have been introduced briefly elsewhere, 36 and can be thought of as internal resources to support healthy sexuality development irrespective of whether a young person has engaged in any sexual activities. These competencies move beyond mere knowledge about sexual and reproductive health to span aspects such as coping and communication skills, critical consciousness, and developing personal values that support gender equality and human rights.…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Reproductive Age in an Urban Community Health Centre in Indonesia

“…A recent study from urban communities in Indonesia only focused on HPV infection and did not necessarily explore the overall understanding of STIs [26]. Other studies merely highlighted the incidence of STIs [4] and sexual well-being [27] among adolescents rather than elaborating on the KAP among women. Striving to fill the research gap and overcome the issue of women's STIs, this study aimed to understand the characteristics of the socio-demographic profile of reproductive-age women in an urban community health centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as explore the association between KAP and STIs.…”

Exploration on Challenges which Hinder Sexuality Education in Public Secondary Day Schools in Tanzania

“…This is because most adolescents who fall in sexual risky behaviors are vulnerable to social and economic di culties in later life as many of them dropout from schools (Ocran & Ocran, 2021). Without proper sexuality education to youth who are in schools will be at a great risk (Kågesten, et al, & Reeuwijk, 2021) Tanzania is associated with a high frequency of early pregnancy, insu cient knowledge about reproductive health education which cause many adolescents to engage in sexual risk behaviors and experience its side effects including early pregnancies. Despite of the efforts which have done on sexuality education in schools, the problem of early marriages and abortions among adolescents still exists (Jerome, 2017).…”