Factors associated with sexual behavior among Sri Lankan adolescents
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual behavior and reproductive health of adolescents in Sri Lanka is getting increasing attention. Factors associated with sexual behavior among adolescents are not adequately understood.
Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sexual experiences among school age adolescents and assess demographic and behavioral correlates of sexual experience.
Methods: A study was conducted among late adolescents in public sector schools in southern Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information.
Results: Data from a total of 2385 subjects (1104 males and 1281 females) were analyzed. Among these, 15.5% of males and 7.9% of females reported some sexual experience with another person ( <.01). Type of school (boys, girls or mixed), living with parents or not, family income, knowledge on sexual health, exposure to sexually explicit materials, and substance use were associated with report of sexual experiences in this sample of students. Availability and usage of counseling services in schools are not satisfactory.
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of late adolescents in the Southern Province have been sexually active. There is a need to address sexual health issues of this group through student education and parent education. Improving sexual life skills of students is an important component in sex education programs.
DOI: 10.4038/gmj.v14i1.1172
Galle Medical Journal Vol.14(1) 2009 39-44
© 2009 Nilusha Fernando, Bilesha Perera, Nayana Fernando, Malik Gunawardana, Truls Østbye, published by Galle Medical Association
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons License.