R Shashi Kumar1, R C Das2, H R A Prabhu3, P S Bhat4, Jyoti Prakash1, P Seema5, D R Basannar6. 1. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune-40, India. 2. Commandant, 167 MH, C/O 56 APO, India. 3. Senior Consultant (Psychiatry), CH (AF), Bengaluru, India. 4. Associate Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune 411040, India. 5. Resident (Psychiatry), Institute of Mental Health, Agra, India. 6. Scientist, 'E', Dept of Community Medicine, AFMC, Pune 411040, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a period when the individual is vulnerable and exposure to sexually implicit/explicit programs on television and internet can influence their sexual behaviour and make them more permissive towards premarital sex, which is known to influence their academic performance. This can be modified by parental discussion on these matters with their children. There have been only few studies from India that have explored such issues therefore this study aimed to explore the impact of television, internet and parental discussion on sexual activity and academic performance. METHODS: This study was conducted in two co-education schools using a self reporting questionnaire administered to students of class IX-XII. This study evaluated the relation of academic performance, exposure to media such as television & internet to sexual activity & academic performance of the students and the role of parental discussion on these. RESULTS: The study sample size was 586. There is no significant association between the number of hours of watching television per day and academic performance as measured by marks in examinations. Significant positive association was found among boys between sexual contact and average score in academics & unsupervised use of internet. In both genders a significant positive association was found between those watching English serials, movies and increased chances of indulging in sexual activity while a negative relation with those watching Cartoons. There is no significant difference in occurrence of sexual contact in those who discussed sexual matters with parents and those who did not. CONCLUSION: This being first of it's kind of study from India and a cross sectional study, further prospective and detailed studies are warranted to delineate the interaction of media, parental discussion, academic performance and sexual activity.
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a period when the individual is vulnerable and exposure to sexually implicit/explicit programs on television and internet can influence their sexual behaviour and make them more permissive towards premarital sex, which is known to influence their academic performance. This can be modified by parental discussion on these matters with their children. There have been only few studies from India that have explored such issues therefore this study aimed to explore the impact of television, internet and parental discussion on sexual activity and academic performance. METHODS: This study was conducted in two co-education schools using a self reporting questionnaire administered to students of class IX-XII. This study evaluated the relation of academic performance, exposure to media such as television & internet to sexual activity & academic performance of the students and the role of parental discussion on these. RESULTS: The study sample size was 586. There is no significant association between the number of hours of watching television per day and academic performance as measured by marks in examinations. Significant positive association was found among boys between sexual contact and average score in academics & unsupervised use of internet. In both genders a significant positive association was found between those watching English serials, movies and increased chances of indulging in sexual activity while a negative relation with those watching Cartoons. There is no significant difference in occurrence of sexual contact in those who discussed sexual matters with parents and those who did not. CONCLUSION: This being first of it's kind of study from India and a cross sectional study, further prospective and detailed studies are warranted to delineate the interaction of media, parental discussion, academic performance and sexual activity.
Entities:
Keywords:
Academics; Adolescent sexuality; Internet; Television
Authors: S Liliana Escobar-Chaves; Susan R Tortolero; Christine M Markham; Barbara J Low; Patricia Eitel; Patricia Thickstun Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Jane D Brown; Kelly Ladin L'Engle; Carol J Pardun; Guang Guo; Kristin Kenneavy; Christine Jackson Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2006-04 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Rebecca L Collins; Marc N Elliott; Sandra H Berry; David E Kanouse; Dale Kunkel; Sarah B Hunter; Angela Miu Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2004-09 Impact factor: 7.124