Family Structure, Family Functions, and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Female Junior- High School Students: Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

         This study was aimed at exploring relationships between family structure, family functions, and sexual risk behaviors among female junior-high school students. Sample comprised 375 female junior-high school students in Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Data were collected during June 2005 - September 2005, through a questionnaire survey. Questionnaire covered demographic data, family structure, family functions, and junior female teenager’s sexual risk behaviors. Data were analyzed by using frequency distribution, mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. The findings showed that 80 percent of the study subjects reported a good score level of family structure and family functions, while the value dimension of family structure was reported at a very good level. Forty-four percent of study subjects reported a mild level of sexual risk behaviors. Three percent (12 persons), nevertheless, admitted that they had had sex experiences. Correlation analysis showed that there were statistically significant and negative correlations between family structure and family functions with sexual risk behaviors with r = -0.38 and - 0.40 at p < 0.01 respectively. In conclusion, the results reveal that good family structure and family functions seem to have protective effect upon junior female teenager’s sexual risk behaviors. Health care providers should thus deliver health care services and encourage family members to express their love and care as protective immunity against risky sexual behaviors.

Key words: junior-high school female students, family structure, family functions, sexual risk behaviors