An Exploratory Study to Assess the Reproductive Sexual Health Behaviour and its Relationship with Academic Performance among Adolescent Students in the Selected School of Manipur

Abstract

Introduction: 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. Keeping this in view, an exploratory study was done to assess the reproductive sexual health behaviour and its relationship with academic performance among adolescent students in the selected school of Manipur. The main objectives of the study were to identify sexual health behaviour among adolescent students, to study the factors responsible for the development of risky sexual health behaviour among adolescent students, to assess the academic performance of the adolescent students and to establish relationship between risky sexual health behaviour and academic performance.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya located in Chandel District of Manipur State. A quantitative research approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A non-probability sampling method was adopted and a convenience sampling technique was employed for the study. Data was collected via structured questionnaire from 100 students belonging to the age group of 16-18 years studying in 11th and 12th class.

Results: 75 per cent of adolescent students were found to be in romantic relationship, 25 per cent of the students reported to have dropped out from school due to unplanned/ premarital pregnancy, 12 per cent of the students reported having indulged in sexual intercourse and these same students used condoms as a protective measure during the intercourse and 50 per cent of the students reported having watched porn. There was significant relationship between reproductive sexual heath behaviour and academic performance among adolescent students.

Conclusion: Sexual health education helps students protect their sexual health and avoid these negative outcomes. By providing sexual health education programs, schools can support student health and foster their academic achievement.