Is Sexual Health a Matter of Concern among Late Adolescent Girls in Rural Areas: A cross-sectional study in Northern India
METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study using a mix method approach was conducted among 650 adolescent girls of 15-19 years age group. Quantitative data were collected on various components of sexual health along with socio-economic & demographic characteristics at individual (adolescent concerned) and household level. Focus group discussions were also conducted to substantiate the survey findings
RESULTS: Awareness about RTI/STI was also very low (4%) in contrast to HIV/AIDS (70 %) among adolescents in study areas. 23 percent were aware about different family planning methods & about 80 percent were not aware about safe abortion. About fifty per cent were not responded about their views on sexual relations & to one third stated that it was irrelevant. Almost all of them were not aware about safe sex and more than one-third considered only rape as sexual abuse. Legal age of marriage & childbearing was not known to more than 50 & 85 percent respectively. Only 10 percent were aware about Govt. health programs specifically for adolescents.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall sexual health awareness was very poor among respondents. Since majority were school going, so information on all issues to improve their sexual health, consequences of RTI & unplanned pregnancy should be explained in school settings. Govt. health workers at community level can also play a important role in creating the awareness about various health programs for adolescents