Sexual wellbeing in early adolescence: a cross-sectional assessment among girls and boys in urban Indonesia
| Autor: | Siswanto Agus Wilopo, Miranda van Reeuwijk, Anna Kågesten, Anggriyani Wahyu Pinandari, Anna Page |
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| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
Male
medicine.medical_specialty Asia Adolescent Sexual Behavior Sexual and reproductive health and rights Reproductive medicine Poison control Human sexuality Sex Education Developmental psychology Healthy sexuality 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Injury prevention medicine Humans 030212 general & internal medicine Child Sexual wellbeing Reproductive health Teenage pregnancy 030505 public health business.industry Early adolescence Public health Research Infant Newborn Obstetrics and Gynecology Gynecology and obstetrics Cross-Sectional Studies Reproductive Health Reproductive Medicine Indonesia Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights RG1-991 Female Young people 0305 other medical science business Psychology |
| Zdroj: | Reproductive Health Reproductive Health, Vol 18, Iss 1, Pp 1-17 (2021) |
| ISSN: | 1742-4755 |
| Popis: | Background Early adolescence (ages 10–14) is a critical period of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, which affect sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Yet, little is known about positive or healthy aspects of sexuality development during this period of life, especially in South East Asia where sexual norms remain restrictive. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual wellbeing among early adolescent girls and boys ages 10–14 years in Indonesia. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Global Early Adolescent Study via a school-based survey in three Indonesian urban sites in 2018 (N = 4309). We assessed the prevalence of multiple indicators of sexual wellbeing (e.g. SRHR knowledge and communication, gender attitudes, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, freedom from violence) and tested for differences by sex using Chi-square, Student t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of selected indicators in relation to sociodemographic factors, romantic relationship status, and sexual activities. Results The mean age of students was 12 years (53% girls); 90% had started puberty. SRHR knowledge and communication was low overall, but higher among boys than girls. Boys were more likely than girls to report high body satisfaction, less feelings of guilt in relation to sexuality, but also to have experienced physical peer violence. In contrast, girls were more likely to hold gender equal attitudes, greater perceived self-efficacy to say ‘no’, and to report being bullied by boys. In multivariable models, romantic relationship experiences, perceived voice (boys and girls) and decision-making (girls) were associated with three or more indicators of sexual wellbeing. Conclusions While young adolescents in Indonesia score high on some aspects of sexual wellbeing, misconceptions, feelings of guilt and uncertainties related to sexuality are common, with clear gender differences. These findings confirm the need for comprehensive sexuality education that begins early in adolescence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-021-01199-4. Plain language summary Ages 10–14 years, known as early adolescence, is a fundamental time when young people become increasingly aware of their bodies, gender and sexuality. Yet, little is known about positive or healthy aspects of sexuality development during this period of life, as most studies tend to focus on risky outcomes such as teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In this study, we conducted a survey with primary school students aged 10–14 years in Indonesia, asking them about sexual wellbeing from a broad sense, such as their body image and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights. We analyzed responses from 4309 participants using statistical methods and compared the results between boys and girls. We found that misconceptions, feelings of guilt and lack of knowledge related to sexual and reproductive health were common, with clear differences between boys and girls. Our study provides new information about healthy sexuality development in an Asian setting where young people’s sexual and reproductive health is often considered taboo. The results can be used to guide programs and research to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights in Indonesia and other low-income settings. In particular, comprehensive sexuality education may play an important role to support sexual wellbeing by providing factual and age-appropriate information as young people grow up. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-021-01199-4. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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