Gender-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health among Urban Adolescent Students in South India

Adolescence is stated as the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, which starts with the onset of puberty. It comprises the individuals between the ages of ten to nineteen years. It is a stage of behavioral and attitude formation. Sensitization and appropriate guidance helps them to take right decisions and develop healthy behaviors. Adolescent health needs are unique. If they are not well guided, they are likely to experiment with risky behavior that could harm them and others. Aim: The study aimed to assess the Knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and Gender perceptions among school going adolescents. Methodology: 150 Adolescent students between age group of 13 – 18 years were chosen by random sampling. Single group pre test post test design was used. Structured questionnaire on identification data, gender attributes and attitudes and sexual and reproductive health was administered before and after the Educational program. Findings: Gender equality scores indicate 13% students were highly gender equitable, 52% with moderate gender equality scores and 25% were with low gender equitable scores in the pre test. After the intervention, 78% were with higher gender equality scores and 22% with moderate scores. 56% of girls and 32% of boys have reported experience of some sort of violence and 12% of them denied of experiencing any sort of violence. Conclusion: Gender balanced adolescent friendly health care approach is the need of the hour. Parents, Teachers and health care providers need to be sensitized about “Gender balanced adolescent reproductive and sexual health”.