Knowledge and attitudes on reproductive health and sexual behavior of adolescents: reports from two academic institutions in Cagayan de Oro City

Date of Publication

1998

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Social Science

Subject Categories

Social and Behavioral Sciences

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Adviser

Dr. Exaltacion E. Lamberte

Defense Panel Chair

Dr. Romeo Lee

Defense Panel Member

Dr. Rene D. Somera
Dr. Jesusa M. Marco

Abstract/Summary

This study is about knowledge and attitudes on reproductive health and sexual behavior of adolescents in two academic institutions in Cagayan de Oro City. It aims to describe adolescents' attitudes concerning selected reproductive health events, knowledge on contraceptives and sexual behavior. Greater understanding about the subject matter is deemed critical in designing an effective intervention program in the city. Self-administered survey questionnaires were completed by 109 males and 100 females aged 15-19 years old. Of these, 129 were from Xavier University and 80 were from Cagayan Capitol College. Questions concerned their attitudes on marriage, sexual intercourse, contraception, pregnancy and childbirth knowledge on contraceptives and preferences of types of sexual partner, number of different sexual partners, sexual acts and perception of sexual enjoyment and pleasure. The study found out that 36.36 percent of the total respondents were sexually active 27.27 percent were males and 9.09 percent were females. 18.66 percent were from a sectarian institution and 17.70 percent were from a non-sectarian institution. The difference in the percentage of sexually active males and sexually active females was statistically significant at .01 level using chi-square. However, considering the type of institution, tests showed no statistically significant difference. Most of the sexually active respondents had sex exclusively with their girlfriends or boyfriends during the past twelve months (63.17 percent). While others reported having had sex with commercial sex workers (15.78 percent), gay/lesbian (2.63 percent) and mutually inclusive,

with either gay/lesbian, girlfriend/boyfriend or commercial sex workers (18.41 percent). Generally, most sexually active respondents had only one sex partner (68.42 percent), did sexual intercourse with mutual consent (77.63 percent) and performed combinations of the different types of sexual acts (90.79 percent). Condom usage however, was very low (18.41 percent) despite higher level of awareness (80.86 percent) on contraceptives. As regards attitudes concerning reproductive health events, most respondents tend to agree that marriage among adolescents should be discouraged (77.03 percent), sexual intercourse is for married couples only (76.18 percent), adolescent should be encouraged to visit family planning clinics to learn more about contraceptives (63.63 percent), it is not right for female adolescent to get pregnant (79.42 percent) and child delivery among adolescent mothers is very dangerous (59.80 percent). Somehow showing an ideal attitudes, fully supportive to a better adolescent reproductive health. Findings of the study point the need to consider the gender differences in designing intervention programs and making policies for better adolescent reproductive health. Further studies addressing sex-differentials issues on adolescent sexual behavior in the city is highly recommended. It is also recommended that since most adolescents discussed their sexual intercourse experiences with their friends (than parents), feasible intervention programs must be focused on the influence of their peers. A program similar to Peer Corps maybe adopted in the city. Moreover, as media plays a vital role in the level of awareness as well as influence adolescents' attitudes and behavior regarding matters of reproductive health, intervention programs shall always consider how this could be properly used in promoting adolescents' health.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG02769

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

146 numb. leaves

Keywords

Adolescents -- Attitudes; Sexual behavior; Health attitudes; Health status indicators

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