Navigating Risks: Exploring Sexual and Reproductive Health and Contraceptive Awareness among Adolescent Girls in District Dehradun

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is characterized by significant physical, psychological, and emotional changes, making it crucial for establishing lifelong healthy behaviors. However, societal norms often lag behind the changing landscape, leading to limited communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics despite their importance in delaying sexual initiation and preventing risky behavior. India, with its large adolescent population, faces a pressing need for accurate SRH information and accessible healthcare services.

Aim & Objective:

1. To study trend in risk taking behavior related to sexual & reproductive health of adolescent girls.
2. To find out awareness about and use of contraception in the study population.

Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in two randomly selected Intercolleges in district Dehradun.

Methods and Material: 400 school going unmarried adolescent girls (classes 9th – 12th) were surveyed with a specific focus on matters pertaining to sexual and reproductive health.

Statistical analysis used: Percentages and chi-square test

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 15.62 (±1.557) years. Teachers were the main source of basic information about sexual and reproductive health. Only 26.2% of the respondents had attended sex education classes. Majority of the girls had heard about HIV/AIDS, but only about 1/3^rd of the girls knew about other sexually transmitted infections. Knowledge about condoms and oral pills as contraceptive methods was more as compared to other methods. The awareness improved with the increasing age.

Conclusions: The study investigated adolescent girls' understanding of risky sexual behaviors and contraception, highlighting the lack of access to accurate information about sexual health.