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

Author(s):  
Claudia Díaz-Olavarrieta ◽  
Beatriz Cruz-Cruz ◽  
Germán E. Fajardo-Dolci ◽  
Antonio R. Villa. ◽  
Monica Aburto-Arciniega ◽  
...  

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.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shantanu Sharma ◽  
Sonali Maheshwari ◽  
Jitesh Kuwatada ◽  
Chandra Shekhar ◽  
Sunil Mehra

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E Kågesten ◽  
Anggriyani Wahyu Pinandari ◽  
Anna Page ◽  
Siswanto Agus Wilopo ◽  
Miranda van Reeuwijk

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.


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

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett Miller ◽  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
David Brown ◽  
Mohammad Shahbazi

The purpose of this study was to use social cognitive theory to predict the frequency and intention for not smoking among middle school students. The study utilized a cross-sectional design (n=163) and administered a 38-item valid and reliable questionnaire. Frequency for smoking was predicted by environment not supportive to smoking (p < 0.0001) and emotional coping (p < 0.001) (Adjusted R2= 0.20). Intent to smoke was predicted by emotional coping (p < 0.0001); environment not supportive to smoking (p < 0.001), expectations for not smoking (p < 0.003), and self-control for not smoking (p <0.017) (Adjusted R2= 0.36).


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e000089
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Pires ◽  
Ronald Siemens ◽  
Martins Mupueleque

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.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e032721
Author(s):  
Bolan Yu ◽  
Lijuan Dai ◽  
Juanjuan Chen ◽  
Wen Sun ◽  
Jingsi Chen ◽  
...  

ObjectivesIn this cross-sectional survey, we sought to determine the prevalence of and the influence of prenatal and neonatal factors on childhood visual impairment without correction (VIUC) in a paediatric population from Guangzhou, China.SettingThe health survey covered 11 administrative districts in Guangzhou, including 991 schools.ParticipantsAll of the primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were invited to complete an online questionnaire with the help of their parents. The results of physical examinations were reported by school medical departments. The results of the questionnaire were collected by the researchers. In total, 253 301 questionnaires were collected.Primary outcome measuresThe students’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was examined by trained optometrists by standard logarithmic visual acuity charts. VIUC was defined by UCVA (of the better eye) (UCVA <6/12) with three levels: light VIUC (UCVA ≥6/18 to <6/12), mild VIUC (UCVA ≥6/60 to <6/18) and severe VIUC (UCVA <6/60).ResultsA total of 39 768 individuals (15.7%) had VIUC, and the rate was much higher among grade 10 to 12 students (51.4%) than among grade 1 to 6 students (6.71%). The following factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of VIUC: female gender, high birth weight, formula feeding, not having siblings, higher level of parents’ education, parental myopia, much homework time and little outdoor activity. Delivery mode was not associated with the risk of VIUC.ConclusionsThis study validates known major prenatal/genetic, perinatal and postnatal factors for childhood VIUC. In conclusion, prenatal and perinatal factors can affect the onset of childhood VIUC, but parental myopia and postnatal factors are the main factors.


Author(s):  
Diana M. Doumas ◽  
Aida Midgett

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school-aged youth. Cyberbullying peaks in middle school with 33% of middle school students reporting cyberbullying victimization and more than 50% reporting witnessing cyberbullying as bystanders. Although the association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing symptoms is well documented, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying on bystanders. To assess differences in internalizing symptoms between cyberbullying bystanders and non-bystanders, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students (6th–8th grade) in the United States (N = 130; 57.4% female; 42.6% male). Questionnaire data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of co-variance (MANCOVA) with three outcome variables (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms) and the between-subject factor bystander status (bystander, non-bystander). We controlled for witnessing school bullying to examine the unique effect of witnessing cyberbullying on internalizing symptoms. Results of the MANCOVA indicated a significant effect for cyberbullying bystander status (p < 0.04). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that bystanders reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.02), and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01) than non-bystanders. Findings suggest that programs to support students who witness cyberbullying are needed to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.


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