Level of Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Youths in Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Background: Premarital sexual activity is associated with low level of knowledge of sexual and reproductive health which gives less control over decision making pertaining to sexuality. Low understanding of sexual and reproductive health knowledge made adolescents unaware of the consequences of premarital sexual activity. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among youths in the state of Johor, in southern region of peninsular Malaysia.Materials and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in eleven health facilities in Johor state, Malaysia. The study samples were all youths who fulfilled study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The youths were assessed through a validated self-administered, anonymous questionnaire on sociodemographic background and 21 items of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health. Descriptive statistics were employed to present the findings.Results: There were 204 respondents involved in the study. The mean (±standard deviation) age of respondents was 21 years old (±1.9). Majority of them were female (60.7%) and Malay (89.1%). Most of the respondents had high level of education (secondary and tertiary levels) (98.5%). A small percentage of the respondents were smokers (18.6%), alcohol drinkers (7.5%), drug users (3.5%), and a smaller portion reported of having history of sexually molested (4%). This study found sexual exposure among subjects ranged from reading (35.3%) and watching pornographic materials (44%), imagining sex (18.2%), as well as masturbating (21.1%). As for level of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, majority of our respondents had low level of knowledge on the domain of sexual activity and pregnancy, complication of premarital sexual activity, and contraception.Conclusion: As the involvement of youths in sexual activity is getting more prevalent, youth sexual and reproductive health should be prioritized in Malaysia. Public health campaigns need to focus on the positive aspects of healthy sexual relationships. The importance of ensuring easy access to sexual and reproductive health services for all youths needs to be acknowledged and addressed.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 03 July’21 Page: 315-323

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Sexual Health Knowledge and Attitude among the Sexually Abused Adolescents: A Single Centre Study

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health ◽

10.51407/mjpch.v27i2.141 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 35-45

Author(s):

Nor Rosidah Ibrahim ◽

Susilowati Heru Subono ◽

Fahisham Taib ◽

Norsarwany Mohamad

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

Sexual Activity ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Sexually Abused ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Premarital Sexual Activity ◽

Permissive Attitude ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Premarital Sexual ◽

Sexual Health Knowledge

Introduction: Sexual education is an important step to prevent unwanted pregnancy, abortions and sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescent. Assessment of the sexual health knowledge and the attitude towards premarital sexual activity are essential to fill in this gap of knowledge. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge on the sexual health and attitude towards premarital sexual activity among the sexually abused adolescent. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 88 female teenagers who were admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for sexual abuse. Using a self-administered validated Malay questionnaire, participants were guided to answer the question on knowledge and attitude. The attitude was categorized to a permissive and non-permissive attitude. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression were used to analyze the associated factors with the attitude. Result: The lowest percentage of correct responses included: penile discharge during ejaculation contains sperm (5.7%), pregnancy may not occur if having sexual intercourse once only (26.1%), having vaginal washing after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancies (19.3%). Forty-one (48.0%) of participants had a permissive attitude whereas forty-seven (53.4%) had a non-permissive attitude toward premarital sexual activity. Simple and multiple logistic regressions did not reveal any significant associated factors. Conclusion: The sexual health knowledge among sexually abused children was inadequate and they were at risk of permissive attitude toward premarital sexual activity. We could not identify any factors related to the permissive attitude in our study.

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Assessment of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and awareness among single unmarried women living in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-021-01079-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maya Hamdanieh ◽

Louna Ftouni ◽

Bara’a Al Jardali ◽

Racha Ftouni ◽

Chaymaa Rawas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background Sexual and reproductive health (SRH), a globally recognized fundamental health concern and a basic human right is poorly addressed and seldom researched in the Arab world. Disregarding this aspect of health creates various obstacles to accessing SRH related services and education. This threatens the health of a female, namely through increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions, augmenting the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, and most importantly, increasing the hazard of maternal and neonatal death. Thus, this study aimed to assess the level of SRH related knowledge and awareness among single unmarried women living in Lebanon. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire in both English and Arabic languages. The questionnaire included 9 sections; socio-demographic characteristics section, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) section, premarital tests section, vaccines section, menstruation and its abnormalities section, pregnancy symptoms and identification section, methods of contraception section, vitamins section, and honeymoon events section. The questionnaire was distributed among all Lebanese governorates to 491 single unmarried women living in Lebanon aged between 17 and 55 years. Student t-test and Chi-Square test were used to analyze results. Results It was found that only 8.8% of all the participants had adequate knowledge. The highest level of SRH related knowledge was about pregnancy (88.0%), and the least was about contraception (13.5%). Most of the knowledgeable participants lived in Beirut governorate (13.6%, n = 8) and had reached universities (10.3%, n = 41), but this was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.05). The effect of a prior visit to a gynecologist was statistically non-significant on the overall level of knowledge (p-value = 0.269). Conclusion Due to the inadequate level of knowledge, SRH education campaigns empowered by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with primary care physicians and gynecologists, are recommended in both the societal and academic sectors to enhance the awareness level and make SRH knowledge readily available among unmarried women aged between 17 and 55. Knowing the massive role of social media nowadays, the messages they present should contribute to enhancing the level of SRH knowledge and redirect attitudes and behaviors of unmarried females in Lebanon.

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Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, perceptions and experiences of women in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

Ethnicity and Health ◽

10.1080/13557858.2021.1873251 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Noura Alomair ◽

Samah Alageel ◽

Nathan Davies ◽

Julia V. Bailey

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Reproductive Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Reproductive Health Knowledge ◽

Experiences Of Women

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The Level of Knowledge and Awareness About Sex and Reproductive Health Among Adolescents in Kashmir

Journal of Psychosexual Health ◽

10.1177/2631831821989927 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 263183182198992

Author(s):

Mohmad Iqbal

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Human Body ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

P Value ◽

Kashmir Valley ◽

Microsoft Excel ◽

Statistical Tool ◽

Body Experiences ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Time Awareness

Background: A human body keeps changing physiologically, biologically, and psychologically from birth to death. There is always a change in all human faculties. But adolescence is a phase earmarked where a human body experiences drastic changes among all these faculties. And any such bodily change carrying baggage of shame, insecurity, stigma, and concealment demands on-time awareness and intervention. Aim: The aim of the study is to understand the knowledge and level of awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health among the school-going adolescents of Kashmir Valley where majority of the population belongs to Muslim conservative culture. Methodology: Due to COVID-19 lockdown, the inability of access to schools and children gave the researcher the opportunity to utilize the alternate places and a total of 550 students from classes 8, 9, and 10 were selected for the purpose. The permission was sought from the respective teachers and then the parents. The sample was a combination of boys and girls, students from both private and government-run schools. The researcher collected the data and it was tabulated systematically and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. P value was evaluated by using an application “P Value: A Statistical Tool” from Play Store. Results and Conclusion: The results depicted that higher the level of class, more the knowledge they had about the matter. Girls had a little knowledge about sexual and reproductive health than boys. This study felt a dire need of educating both parents and adolescent boys and girls regarding sexual health. The shame does not lie in educating the children but in the mishaps that may result due to unawareness about the same.

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Salud sexual reproductiva en estudiantes universitarios: conocimientos y prácticas

Revista Ciencia y Cuidado ◽

10.22463/17949831.1233 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 58

Author(s):

Ivett Adriana Herrera-Zuleta ◽

Jonathan Fernando Reyes-Salazar ◽

Katherine Patricia Rojas-Velasco ◽

Magda Lizeth Tipán ◽

Carlos Andrés Torres-López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Unknown Variance ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Para Determinar ◽

Quantitative Descriptive

Objetivo: Describir el conocimiento y las prácticas relacionadas con la Salud Sexual y Reproductiva en los estudiantes de una Universidad del Suroccidente Colombiano. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva, prospectiva de corte transversal; se realizó con estudiantes matriculados en I y II semestre en el primer periodo académico 2016; el cálculo de la muestra se obtuvo utilizando la fórmula de varianza desconocida y población total conocida (3.489), obteniendo un tamaño de muestra de 415 estudiantes. Se utilizó un instrumento tipo encuesta estructurada elaborada a partir del formato de consejería del programa de salud sexual y reproductiva universitario. Los datos se procesaron a través de Excel y el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 22, para determinar la significación de la asociación se utilizó la prueba Chi cuadrado con una confiabilidad de 95%. Resultados: En la población estudiada se encontró un predominio masculino del 50,7%, la edad promedio fue de 19 años, encontrando que el 81% están en una etapa de adolescencia tardía, el 62% tiene un nivel de conocimientos deficientes sobre salud sexual y reproductiva, el 78% inicio vida sexual con edad promedio de 16 años, un gran porcentaje de estos estudiantes tienen entre 1 y 3 compañeros(as) sexuales al año. El 70% utilizó condón en su primera relación sexual y el 12,3% de la población utilizó la píldora de emergencia. Conclusiones: El nivel de conocimiento acerca de salud sexual y reproductiva es deficiente. La mayoría de los estudiantes encuestados utilizan al menos un método de planificación familiar en sus relaciones sexuales.Palabras clave: Sexualidad, Salud reproductiva, estudiantes, conocimientos y prácticas en salud.Sexual and reproductive health in university students: beyond knowledge andpractices AbstractObjective: To describe the knowledge and practices related to Sexual and Reproductive Health in the students of a University of the Suroccidente Colombiano. Materials and methods: Quantitative descriptive prospective cross-sectional study; was carried out in students enrolled in I and II semester in the first academic period 2016; the calculation of the sample was obtained using the formula of unknown variance and known total population (3,489), obtaining a sample size of 415 students. A structured survey-type instrument was developed based on the counseling format of the university's sexual and reproductive health program. Data were processed through Excel and the SPSS version 22 statistical package, to determine the significance of the association was used Chi square test with a reliability of 95%. Results: A male prevalence of 50.7% was found in the study population, the mean age was 19 years, and 81% were in the late teens, 62% had a poor level of knowledge about sexual health and reproductive, 78% start sexual life with average age of 16 years, a large percentage of these students have between 1 and 3 sexual partners a year. Seventy percent used a condom at their first sexual intercourse and 12.3% of the population used the emergency pill. Conclusions: The level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health is deficient. Most students surveyed use at least one method of family planning in their sexual relationships.Saúde sexual reprodutiva em estudantes universitários: conhecimentos e práticasSumario Objetivos: Descrever os conhecimentos e práticas relacionados com a saúde sexual e reprodutiva em estudantes de uma Universidado sudoeste Colombiano. Materiais e Métodos: A pesquisa quantitativa transversal descritiva prospectiva; foi realizado em estudantes matriculados em I e II, semestre 2016; cálculo da amostra foi obtida utilizando a fórmula de variância desconhecida e a população total conhecido (3489), obtendo-se um tamanho de amostra de 415 estudantes. Foi utilizado um tipo de instrumento de pesquisa estruturada. Os dados foram processados pelo pacote estatístico Excel versão 2010 e SPSS versão 22, para determinar o significado do teste foram utilizados do qui-quadrado de associação com uma confiabilidade de 95%. Resultados: Na população estudada predominância do sexo masculino de 50,7%, a idade média dos alunos era de 19 anos, descobrindo que 81% estão em uma fase de adolescência tardia, 62% têm um nível de conhecimentos regulares saúde sexual e reprodutiva, 78% inicio vida sexual com uma idade média de 16 anos, uma grande porcentagem desses estudantes estão entre 1 e 3 parceiro (s) ano sexual. 70% usam preservativo em sua primeira relação sexual e 12,3% da população usava a pílula de emergência. Conclusões: O nível de conhecimento sobre a saúde sexual e reprodutiva é regular. A maioria dos estudantes pesquisados usar pelo menos um método de planejamento familiar em suas relações sexuais.Palavras-chave: Gestão de terapia de medicação, diagnóstico, enfermeiros, pediatria

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Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge of Postgraduate Students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa

10.21203/rs.3.rs-77053/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Bupe Mwamba ◽

Pat Mayers ◽

Jawaya Shea

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Reproductive Health ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Pap Smear ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

Breast Examination ◽

The University

Abstract BackgroundGlobally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. MethodA cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey.ResultsFour hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information.ConclusionMost postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.

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

Family Medicine and Community Health ◽

10.1136/fmch-2018-000089 ◽

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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