A STUDY: ON PREMARITAL SEXUAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG THE ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN INDIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i2.2024.2839Keywords:
Sexual Health, Adolescences, Health Risks, Premarital Sexual PracticesAbstract [English]
This research paper reviews documents that have influenced understanding of premarital sexual health behavior among the adolescent girls in, India. Focus is on premarital sexual behavior and practices among the adolescent groups, which is comparatively raised in India from the last decades, especially in urban areas. In present scenario adolescents are more sexually active than ever before. Among adolescent who are at early age fourteen or younger are more sexually active and faces innumerable health risk due to their unsafe practices. They are more likely to get involved in high-risk sexual behaviors that comprises unprotected sex, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, having multiple or high-risk partners, raping a partner, and being intoxicated while having sex, alcohol and drug abuse, stealing, violence, and poor performance in school etc. There are many frequently follow romantically driven decisions on sexual relationships like sexually transmitted diseases unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and other related health problems (Hurissa.et.al. 2014).
Premarital sexual health behaviour of adolescents in India is a multifaceted and growing problem, influenced by cultural norms, socio-economic factors and transforming social behaviour. The teenage years are a time of great change, both physically and emotionally, and for some young people it will also be a time when they will begin to explore their sexuality. In India, however, there is little discourse about sexual health, and many face stigmas surrounding premarital sexual behavior, which often leaves adolescents without reliable sexual health education. Yet without proper education and resources it can often lead to dangerous activity, unwanted pregnancies and a greater level of STIs which has lasting effects on youth health, education and future opportunities. For effective health promotion among this age group, knowledge of premarital sexual health behaviour among adolescents is crucial to point out the challenges adolescent face and to identify areas where much efforts can be taken to overcome the problems faced by adolescents. This enables policymakers, educators, and health professionals to create culturally appropriate programs effectively teaching adolescents about risk prevention, consent, and healthy relationships. In addition, the promotion of comprehensive sexual education can empower young people to make informed decisions, thus mitigating the health risks arising from the stigma and misinformation. Dealing with adolescent sexual health in a proactive approach with no blame leads to individual well-being, pivotal in promoting public health and social development of the country.
On the basis of deeper and critical investigation into the literature, the study found that. This paper will explore and examines the reasons for. It also suggests the immediate action to achieve.
References
Anju Dogra and Vinay Menia et.al. (2019): Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study of Adolescent Girls about Safe Sexual Practices. International Journal of Scientific Study. Vol.7, Issue-8,pp.. 77-80
Bang, RA, A.T, Bang et al. (1989): "High Prevalence of Gynecological Diseases in Rural Indian Women", Lancet, 14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(89)91438-4
Bhende, A (1994): "A Study of Sexuality of Adolescent Girls and Boys in Underprivileged Groups in Bombay", Indian Journal of Social Work, 55 (4).
Cahyaning Tyas, A., Zahro, H., Salsabila, P. F., Ismail, A., & Murti, B. (2024). Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. https://thejhpb.com/index.php/thejhpb/article/view/476
Dinesh Bhugra and Reenu Mehra et.al. (2007) : Sexual attitudes and practices in North India: A qualitative study. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. Routledge. 22:1, 83-90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1468199060092077 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14681990600920770
Gupta SD, Adolescents Reproductive Health in India: Status, Polices, programs and Issues. Policy Project, 2003.
Hurissa. B.F, Tebeje. B, Megersa. H (2014). Prevalence of Pre-marital Sexual Practices and Associated Factors among Jimma Teacher Training College Students in Jimma Town, South West Shoa Zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia-2013. J Women’s Health Care 4: 221. doi:10.4172/2167-0420.1000221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0420.1000221
IIPS and Health Survey (NFHS- 320052006: India: Volume I (Mumbai: International Institute for Population Sciences).
Jaya Hindin and Michelle J. Hindin (2009) : Premarital Romantic Partnerships: Attitudes and Sexual Experiences of Youth in Delhi, India. International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Published by: Guttmacher Institute Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 97-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1363/3509709
Jejeebhoy (2000): “Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour" in Ramasubban and Jejeebhoy (eds.), Women's Reproductive Health in India, Rawat Publications.
Leena Abraham and K. Anil Kumar (1996): “Sexual Experiences and Their Correlates Among College Students in Mumbai City, India”. International Family Planning Perspectives, Vol. 25, No. 3), pp. 139- 146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2991963
Lekha Subaiya (2008) : “Premarital Sex in India: Issues of Class and Gender” in Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 43, No. 48 (Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2008), pp. 54-59.
Mallika Alexander and Laila Garda et.al. (2007): “Correlates of Premarital Relationships among Unmarried Youth in Pune District, Maharashtra, India”. International Family Planning Perspectives. Published by: Guttmacher Institute, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 150-159 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1363/3315007
Noroozi, Mahnaz, Telghani Fariba et.al. 2014. Premarital sexual relationships: Explanation of the actions and functions of family. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 19 (4), 424-431.
Registrar General and Census Commissioner, 2011.
Shajahan Ismail and Ashika Shajahan et.al. (2015): “Adolescent sex education in India: Current perspectives”. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Accessed on: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287150233
Shashikumar Ramadugu, VSSR Ryali et al. (2011): “Understanding sexuality among Indian urban school adolescents” in Industrial Psychiatry Journal, Vol.2, Issue: 1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.98416
Soonthorndhada A (1969). Sexual Attitudes and Behaviours and contraceptive use of late female adolescents in Bangkok : A comparative study of students and factory workers, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University.
WHO. Defining Sexual Health. Geneva: WHO ; 2006.
Retrieved on https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/issues/en/
Retrieved on https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/
Retrieved on https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/issues/en/
Retrieved on https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/
Retrieved on www.censusindia.gov.in
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Manisha Pal

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author.
It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.