ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY: PERCEPTIONS, PREFERENCES AND PRACTICES

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental development between childhood and adulthood. This is a large, heterogeneous and vulnerable group who will be adults tomorrow and drive the economy. Thus adolescents need to be cared for.

Objectives: To document perceptions, preferences and practices of adolescents related to sexual health. To explore if any difference exists among these adolescents according to their external environment.

Methods: A cross sectional study. A total of 600 participants were selected purposively; 450 college going (professional and general stream college) and 150 out of college adolescents.

Results: Majority (43.6% college going and 27.3% out of college) ignored their sexual desires; followed by masturbation (21.5% college students); watching pornography (28.2% out of college students); intercourse (11.8% college going students and 12.7% out of college adolescents). Premarital acceptability was highest for kissing (81.8% college and 63.3% out of college). Premarital coitus was acceptable among 16.9% college going and 13.3% out of college adolescents. Majority of the respondents said that people who had premarital sex, should get married; this attitude was found to be significantly higher (p=0.0001) in the professional college students. Homosexuality was not acceptable to majority of the respondents (70.9% college and 76% out of college).

Conclusions: Acceptance and exposure to premarital sex exposes the vulnerability in this group which is compounded by the absence of formal counselling and friendly treatment services. High level of unacceptability of homosexuality highlights the challenges faced in mainstreaming homosexuality and prevention of discrimination.