KAP on Sexual Behavior, Contraception, and STD Prevention Among Some Hat Yai Teenagers

Abstract

In the context of a high and increasing incidence of adolescent problems, a sample survey of Hat Yai teenagers on sexual awareness, knowledge, attitude and prac tice, including contraception and sexually transmitted disease, was conducted in June, 1989. Five hundred completed questionnaires, (from 250 males and 250 females), were sent back. The mean age of the students was 14.9 years. 22.8 per cent of the male stu dents had sexual experiences with prostitute and/or girl-friends. Half of the students did not use any method for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, while 42.1 per cent used condoms. The students had only a limited level of knowledge on STD and contraception. The most common sources of information were books and magazines. Most of the students, especially females, disagreed with the concept of premarital sexual intercourse because of culture and complications that may follow. About 15 per cent agreed with such a relationship for experience and learning how to prepare oneself for marital life. The most common problems related to reproductive health were masturba tion and STD in males, and menstrual problems in females. A significant number of students (78.4 per cent) needed responsible persons to set up a framework, which was rather private and separated from routine hospital services, for information and counsel ing. Most of them agreed with the concept of a peer counselor. (Thai J Obstet Gynae col 1989 ; 1 : 109-14.)