Predictors of Risky Sex Behavior among Adolescents in a Traditional Indian Society: Implications for Program Intervention Strategies

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the risk behavior and its effect on involvement in sex among school-going adolescents as a part of assessing implementation of Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Scheme (ARSH) in a state of India.Methods: The sample covered 3069 randomly selected adolescents (students) from 9th to 12th standard in various government, private and missionary-run schools from two districts, namely, Aizawl and Champhai in the state of Mizoram.Results: It was found that more than one-third of adolescents (37%) accepted taking alcohol and 72% of adolescents accepted seeing pornographic movies. Nearly 23% respondents were aware about premarital pregnancy among friends and 7.5% were aware about complication due to unsafe abortion among them. About 10% accepted involvement in premarital sex and majority of them (70%) had premarital sex between age group 15 and 19 years and 54% never used condom. Influence of peer group who were taking alcohol, tobacco and drug and exposure to erotic materials was found to be the major risk factors for indulgence in unsafe sex practices among adolescents.Conclusion: Better awareness and counseling against tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, and pornographic literature among adolescents is needed through school health education.

Correlates of Social, Demographic and Behavioral Factors affecting Adolescent Sexuality in a Traditional Society in India: Perspectives and Challenges

Background: Adolescent risk behavior is a major concern.Objectives: The study assessed the effect of school background, personal, social and other deviant behavior on school going adolescent sexual behavior. Material and Methods: The sample covered 3069 randomly selected adolescents (students) from 9th to 12th standard in various governments, private and missionary run schools from two districts namely; Aizawl being state capital and Champhai being distant under developed district.Summary: School background, leisure and entertainment practices, influence of taking alcohol, tobacco, drug, peer influence were found to be the major risk factor for indulgence in unsafe sex practices among adolescents. About 10% accepted involvement in premarital sex and majority of them (70%) of them had premarital sex between age group 15-19 years. The schools lacked in organizing awareness program and counseling activities on consequences of adolescent sex. The ARSH Program needs to synergize with school health program for desired results. Conclusions: Adolescent sexual risk behavior is a part of overall deviant behavior and can be managed in holistic manner