ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR REGARDING REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH IN ADOLESCENTS OF KARACHI

ABSTRACT

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding reproductive and sexual health among adolescents of Karachi and assess their opinion on reproductive health education.

Setting: Study was conducted in 2010 on adolescent males and females (17-19 years) studying in various public and private intermediate and A-level Colleges of Karachi after taking a written informed consent.

Methods: A cross sectional study using stratified sampling procedure was carried out in 12 public and private sector colleges of Karachi. An anonymous quantitative questionnaire was used to ascertain the knowledge of adolescents after ensuring confidentiality.

Results: A total of 912 adolescents consented to participate. There were 470 males and 442 females. Acquaintance regarding reproductive health was known to 75% males and 71% females. Discussing reproductive health issues with friends were common. About 81% males and 91 % females responded in affirmation to a need for enhanced reproductive health education and awareness while 53 % males and 61% females were of the opinion that the right age for education was < 18 years. Faithfulness to partner, avoiding contaminated blood and needles can play a role in prevention of AIDS was known to 38.5% males and 44% females and prevention of sexually transmitted infections by the use of condoms, was acknowledged by 32%  females and 33% males. Although 70% respondents were aware of some types of preventive measures for pregnancy but only 20% had knowledge about contraceptives.

Conclusions: Reproductive and sexual health education should be imparted in the syllabus for creating awareness amongst youths. 

Keywords: Adolescence; Knowledge; Reproductive; Sexual Health.