Adolescent's Reproductive Health Knowledge in Dehli, India

Abstract

Impoverished adolescents in India, especially children of sex workers, are a highly vulnerable population that is at risk of being infected with HIV/AIDS. In order to protect their reproductive health status, their knowledge of sexual health must be investigated. This study analyzed the data from a survey of 106 men and women that attended ASSET/Swabhiman supplemental education classes in Delhi, India. Results indicated that reproductive health knowledge among this population is satisfactory but lacking in certain areas. Survey participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, they were much less knowledgeable about contraceptive measures. Among those surveyed, 78.2% thought that condoms were very effective or somewhat effective in preventing HIV/AIDS while 67.6% did not know what pulling out was or they thought it was a "safer" form of sex. Only 55.2% said they had learned about HIV/AIDS in school while 72.6% said they knew nothing at all, only a little, or some about STIs. The need for reproductive health education among this population is imperative and it must be made a focus of supplemental education programs.