A Survey on Sexual Experiences, Opinions and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Teenage Students in Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding sexual activities as well as analyzing factors associated such practices among Thai Teenage students aged 10 - 19 years old at junior high school level (years 2) and vocational school level (year 2). Samples were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from all 12 regional health promotion centers during the period from January to February 2012. Data were collected by using a set of questionnaire. Altogether 42,234 students were included in the study. It was found that about 13.9% of them had sexual experiences with an average age of 14.98 years old (the minimum age was 10 years old). The average number of partners was 1 – 2; and the maximum was 20. Homosexual practice was 8.5 percent and bisexual act was 2.5 percent. Major contraception choice was condom (66.4%). If pregnant, 15.8 percent decided to “terminate”; and the person whom they would consult with would be parents, friends and teachers: 71.5, 14.9, and 4.5 percent respectively. The location of the first sex was mainly at their/partners home (50.3%). The main circumstance leading to sex was “being together two by two” (32.2%). Other factors included drug use (66.6% were alcoholic beverage) and watching pornographic clips from mobile phone (64.9%). The study’s findings indicated that parents, teachers and all concerned sectors should be aware of the situation and jointly develop appropriate and effective policy and strategies for the prevention and control of teenage pregnancy.