Sexual wellbeing in early adolescence: a cross-sectional assessment among girls and boys in urban Indonesia

Reproductive Health

Anggriyani Wahyu Pinandari¹  Siswanto Agus Wilopo²  Anna E. Kågesten³  Anna Page⁴  Miranda van Reeuwijk⁴ 

[1] Center for Reproductive Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia;Center for Reproductive Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia;Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Population Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia;Global and Sexual Health, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden;Rutgers, Utrecht, Netherlands;

关键词: Sexual wellbeing;    Healthy sexuality;    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights;    Early adolescence;    Young people;    Asia;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12978-021-01199-4

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundEarly adolescence (ages 10–14) is a critical period of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, which affect sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Yet, little is known about positive or healthy aspects of sexuality development during this period of life, especially in South East Asia where sexual norms remain restrictive. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual wellbeing among early adolescent girls and boys ages 10–14 years in Indonesia.MethodsData for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Global Early Adolescent Study via a school-based survey in three Indonesian urban sites in 2018 (N = 4309). We assessed the prevalence of multiple indicators of sexual wellbeing (e.g. SRHR knowledge and communication, gender attitudes, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, freedom from violence) and tested for differences by sex using Chi-square, Student t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of selected indicators in relation to sociodemographic factors, romantic relationship status, and sexual activities.ResultsThe mean age of students was 12 years (53% girls); 90% had started puberty. SRHR knowledge and communication was low overall, but higher among boys than girls. Boys were more likely than girls to report high body satisfaction, less feelings of guilt in relation to sexuality, but also to have experienced physical peer violence. In contrast, girls were more likely to hold gender equal attitudes, greater perceived self-efficacy to say ‘no’, and to report being bullied by boys. In multivariable models, romantic relationship experiences, perceived voice (boys and girls) and decision-making (girls) were associated with three or more indicators of sexual wellbeing.ConclusionsWhile young adolescents in Indonesia score high on some aspects of sexual wellbeing, misconceptions, feelings of guilt and uncertainties related to sexuality are common, with clear gender differences. These findings confirm the need for comprehensive sexuality education that begins early in adolescence.

【 授权许可】

CC BY