Veena Ganesh Kamath1, Asha Kamath1, Kallol Roy2, Chythra Raghavendra Rao1, Asha Hegde3, Lena Ashok4. 1. Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 2. Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India. 3. Department of Paediatrics, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 4. Department of Public Health, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH. METHODS: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16-19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. "Pornography", "wrong myths about RH", "substance use", and "sexual attractions" were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services. CONCLUSION: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.
In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH. METHODS: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16-19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. "Pornography", "wrong myths about RH", "substance use", and "sexual attractions" were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services. CONCLUSION: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.
Entities:
Keywords:
adolescent males; counselling; media; reproductive health; reproductive health services