scholarly journals Inequalities in the reproductive health knowledge and practices of unmarried adolescent boys and girls in Eastern India: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shantanu Sharma ◽  
Sonali Maheshwari ◽  
Jitesh Kuwatada ◽  
Chandra Shekhar ◽  
Sunil Mehra
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Eastern India ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Reproductive Health Knowledge

Abstract Background: Adolescents lack adequate knowledge, self-efficacy, and access to sexual and reproductive health services; thereby, predisposing them to sexual violence, sexually transmitted infections, early marriage, and high fertility rates. Socio-economic inequalities fuel such problems, but we have limited evidence from some of the least developed states of Eastern India. Therefore, we aimed to assess the inequalities in the reproductive health knowledge and practices of unmarried adolescents (10-19 years) from marginalized populations in one district each from the state of Bihar and Assam in India.Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study with a quantitative research methodology. In our study, we captured data on five domains related to reproductive health, including knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and contraceptives, awareness and perceptions related to right age at marriage, general self-efficacy, menstrual hygiene practices among girls, and access to health services for reproductive health problems; besides socio-demographic details. We performed a 2-step cluster analysis to gain insights into the patterns of reproductive health knowledge and self-efficacy among unmarried adolescent boys and girls, separately. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors associated with the cluster membership determined through cluster analysis.Results: A total of 811 boys and 826 girls participated in the study. Three-clusters were identified for boys and girls in the analysis, varying from high to low knowledge and self-efficacy for boys, and high to low knowledge with constant low self-efficacy in all the three clusters for girls. Higher educational status and increasing age were positively associated with the high knowledge clusters among boys and girls. Additionally, marginalized social class and working status were associated with higher knowledge cluster in girls.Conclusions: We emphasize on the need of comprehensive (covering a broad range of reproductive health issues, such as child marriage, contraceptives, HIV/AIDS, menstrual hygiene, etc.), contextualized (relevant for adolescents in the least developed states like Bihar), and customized (tailored for different cultures and religions through appropriate means) sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents.

scholarly journals Sexual Wellbeing in Early Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Assessment Among Girls and Boys in Urban Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E Kågesten ◽  
Anggriyani Wahyu Pinandari ◽  
Anna Page ◽  
Siswanto Agus Wilopo ◽  
Miranda van Reeuwijk
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Body Satisfaction ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Early Adolescent ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Wellbeing ◽  
Reproductive Health Knowledge

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. 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 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. sexual and reproductive health knowledge and communication, gender attitudes, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, freedom from violence) and tested for differences by gender 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 and sexual experiences. Results: The mean age of students was 12 years (53% girls); 90% had started puberty. Sexual and reproductive health 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 sexual guilt, but also to experience physical peer violence. In contrast, girls were more likely to hold gender equal attitudes, greater self-efficacy to say no, and to report being bullied by boys. In multivariable models, romantic 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.

scholarly journals The Internet as a Reliable Source of Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among Rural School-Aged Children in Oaxaca, Mexico

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Claudia Díaz-Olavarrieta ◽  
Beatriz Cruz-Cruz ◽  
Germán E. Fajardo-Dolci ◽  
Antonio R. Villa. ◽  
Monica Aburto-Arciniega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reproductive Health Knowledge

Background: Correct and culturally relevant sexual and reproductive health knowledge among children and adolescents is a key component to a healthy life. In Mexico, a country plagued with a teen pregnancy epidemic, sexuality education in the public-school system begins in 4th grade. Our study aims were to characterize the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of middle school students from Oaxaca, and its association with belonging to an indigenous group, gender, sources of sexual and reproductive health information, and parents’ level of schooling. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Students responded to a multiple-choice paper and pencil self-administered survey on sexual and reproductive health knowledge. Our sample included 245 middle-school students (51.4% were female) enrolled in rural school’s 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. Survey contents were based on the Ministry of Education textbooks.

scholarly journals Level of Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge and Attitude Among Early Adolescent

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karimah Hanim Abd Aziz ◽  
Nurjasmine Aida Jamani ◽  
Nur Wajihah Lahasan ◽  
Syazwana Amirah Che Ujang ◽  
Nur Ili Dalia Mohd Ali Hanafiah
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Reproductive Health Knowledge

Introduction: Topic on sexuality has largely remained a taboo subject for discussion between parents and their children in Malaysia, which might contributed to increase sexual activity among adolescent age group. This study was undertaken to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and their associated factors among standard 4 and 5 students in a primary school in Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 281 students from standard 4 and 5 students using a self-administered validated Malay version KAPSRH questionnaire. Universal sampling was used for selection of students who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics was used to explain respondents' background characteristics and multiple logistic regression was used to find the association. Results: Of the 252 students completed the surveys, 135 were males and 117 were females with the mean age of 10.47. It was found that more that half students reported to have good knowledge (56.3%) and attitude (59.4%) towards sexual and reproductive health. Year of study (p<0.0001), involvement in religious activities (p<0.0001) and household income were associated with both knowledge and attitude. While prayers (p=0.04), practice fasting (p=0.03), mothers' education (p<0.0001), fathers' education (p<0.0001) and fathers' working status (p=0.04) were associated with good attitude only. Conclusion: Although majority of the students have good level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and attitude , there is still room for improvement. Parents, schools and health care providers are challenged with the task of providing adolescents with accessible sexual and reproductive health information to promote healthy sexual and reproductive lives.

scholarly journals Health Literacy in Female – Association with Socioeconomic Factors and Effects on Reproductive Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
Milena Maricic ◽  
Radmila Amanovic Curuvija ◽  
Milos Stepovic
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
General Information ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractThe aim of the study is to assess the health literacy of women who are using health services within the Gynecology Obstetric Clinic “Narodni Front” in Belgrade. Testing of health literacy was conducted as a cross-sectional study in the period October-November 2012. As instruments of research the following questionnaires are used: Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and General information questionnaire of respondents who referred to the demographic, social and economic characteristics of respondents, self-assessment of health, use of health services, health knowledge and behavior in the area of reproductive health. Inadequate health literacy level is registered in every ten respondents. The education level of the respondents proved to be a significant predictor of health literacy. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the patients (age, occupation, marital status) as well as self-evaluation of the health status were not significantly related to the health literacy. Health literacy respondents did not significantly dependent on risk behaviors related to reproductive health. The level of health literacy is consistent with the knowledge of subjects in the field of protection of reproductive health. Health literacy as the ability to function within the health care system is equally certain by individual characteristics and skills, characteristics of the health and education systems as well as a wide range of social and cultural factors. Health literacy is more systematic than individual problem, so it requires a broader social action.

scholarly journals Improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practice in Mozambican families with media campaign and volunteer family health champions

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e000089
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Pires ◽  
Ronald Siemens ◽  
Martins Mupueleque
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Media Campaign ◽  
Planning Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After

ObjectiveTo increase knowledge, attitudes and practice of sexual and reproductive health and family planning and to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Mozambique.DesignAn implementation research project’s intermediate evaluation, applying two cross-sectional surveys. The surveys were planned for 316 subjects before and after interventions.SettingResearch performed in Natikiri district of Nampula province in northern Mozambique, targeting a suburban and rural populations in their homes.Participants452 people were surveyed (91 before, 361 after), all belonging to the Macua ethnic group.InterventionsA media campaign (2 weekly radio spots, bimonthly theatre performances) was performed for 8 months (2017 to 2018) and family health champions’ teachings (monthly home visits) performed for 3 months, on sexual and reproductive health and family planning. Outcome measures planned and measured were adolescent’s and adult’s knowledge, attitudes and practice about those. Data were analysed by gender, age group and frequencies, using a CI of 95% (p<0.5 statistically significant).ResultsRadio spots, community theatre and volunteer champions increased population’s knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and led to a more positive attitude toward family planning. Concerning attitude, results show differences between adults’ proportions before and after: (1) did you hear about sexual and reproductive health (p=0.0425); (2) knows project key messages (p<0.001); (3) knows prenatal visits importance (p=0.0301); (4) access to contraceptives was easy (p<0.001). Adolescents showed statistically significant differences before and after: (1) knows project key messages (p<0.001); (2) access to contraceptives was easy (p=0.0361). Family planning practice did not increase in both groups.ConclusionA health education intervention, using a media campaign and local volunteers, is useful to promote mother and child health. There is an unmet need for family planning and the use of modern contraception is below desired practice, needing further research about cultural barriers. Communication for behaviour change activities will pursue and impact will be assessed to document family planning practice improvement.

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