The Importance of Sex Education

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 47 views

The Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of High School Students about the Prevention of STIs in SMAN 3 Medan

Introduction

The age of sex initiation in Indonesia tends to be very young, especially among girls. Data shows that about 1% of boys and 4% of girls have sexual intercourse before the age of 13 years, some or even under the age of 10 years. When they reach the age of 17 years, about one third of the adolescent population has experienced sexual intercourse at least once. Lack of adolescent understanding of reproductive health and sex education is at risk of causing them to be trapped in situations such as pregnancy outside of marriage and exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Importance of Sex Education

Sex education is crucial for adolescents to understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their sex life. However, in Indonesia, sex education is often limited, and adolescents are not provided with accurate and comprehensive information about STIs and their prevention. This lack of knowledge and understanding can lead to risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, which can result in STIs and unintended pregnancies.

Methodology

This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of students of SMAN 3 Medan related to the prevention of STIs. The method used in this study is a descriptive survey with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling techniques are carried out randomly (random sampling), with 94 students as respondents. Data is collected through a questionnaire, and analysis is carried out using descriptive statistics.

Results

The results of this study showed that the knowledge of students of SMAN 3 Medan about the prevention of STIs was mostly in the medium category, with 41.5% of respondents (39 people) in this category. Meanwhile, their attitude towards the prevention of STIs is classified as good, with 76.6% of respondents (72 people) showing a positive attitude. However, their behavior is classified as lacking, where 59.6% of respondents (56 people) showed behavior that needed to be improved.

Analysis and Implications

The results of this study reflect the importance of a good understanding of reproductive health among adolescents. Although the attitudes of students show a positive attitude towards the prevention of STIs, the level of moderate knowledge and less behavior can potentially cause health risks. This shows that even though they realize the importance of prevention, deep understanding of STIs and how to prevent it still needs to be improved.

As a follow-up step, the school, parents, and the surrounding environment must work together in providing accurate and easy to understand information about the health of reproduction and STIs. Comprehensive and easily accessible sex education programs can help adolescents to better understand the risks and ways of protecting themselves. This can be done through seminars, workshops, or extracurricular activities that discuss reproductive health issues.

The Role of Stakeholders

It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government and non-governmental organizations, to be involved in responsible sex education. By providing the right information, it is expected that adolescents are not only able to avoid the risk of pregnancy outside of marriage and STIs, but can also make better decisions in living a healthy and responsible sex life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of sex education in preventing STIs among adolescents. The results of this study show that although students of SMAN 3 Medan have a positive attitude towards the prevention of STIs, their knowledge and behavior need to be improved. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together in providing accurate and comprehensive information about STIs and their prevention.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The school should provide comprehensive and easily accessible sex education programs for students.
Parents and the surrounding environment should work together in providing accurate and easy to understand information about the health of reproduction and STIs.
The government and non-governmental organizations should be involved in responsible sex education.
Adolescents should be provided with the right information to make informed decisions about their sex life.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of sex education programs in preventing STIs among adolescents. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that influence adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards the prevention of STIs.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population of SMAN 3 Medan. Secondly, the study only focuses on students of SMAN 3 Medan, and the results may not be generalizable to other schools or populations. Finally, the study only evaluates the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of students towards the prevention of STIs, and does not provide information on the effectiveness of sex education programs in preventing STIs.

Conclusion

Q: What are STIs?

A: STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected person. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can affect both men and women.

Q: How common are STIs among adolescents?

A: STIs are a significant public health concern among adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents aged 15-19 years are at high risk of contracting STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Q: What are the risk factors for STIs among adolescents?

A: The risk factors for STIs among adolescents include:

Early initiation of sex
Multiple sex partners
Lack of condom use
History of previous STIs
Substance abuse
Poor knowledge and attitudes towards STIs

Q: How can adolescents prevent STIs?

A: Adolescents can prevent STIs by:

Practicing safe sex, including using condoms consistently and correctly
Getting tested for STIs regularly
Avoiding multiple sex partners
Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
Using protection during oral sex
Avoiding substance abuse

Q: What are the symptoms of STIs?

A: The symptoms of STIs can vary depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include:

Discharge or odor from the genitals
Pain or burning during urination
Itching or burning during sex
Sores or blisters on the genitals
Fever or chills
Abdominal pain

Q: How can adolescents get tested for STIs?

A: Adolescents can get tested for STIs at:

Local health clinics
Family planning clinics
Community health centers
Private healthcare providers
Online testing services

Q: What are the consequences of untreated STIs?

A: Untreated STIs can lead to serious health consequences, including:

Infertility
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ectopic pregnancy
HIV/AIDS
Cancer

Q: How can parents and caregivers support adolescents in preventing STIs?

A: Parents and caregivers can support adolescents in preventing STIs by:

Talking openly and honestly about sex and STIs
Encouraging safe sex practices
Getting tested for STIs themselves
Providing access to condoms and other protection
Encouraging regular STI testing

Q: What are the roles of schools and communities in preventing STIs among adolescents?

A: Schools and communities can play a critical role in preventing STIs among adolescents by:

Providing comprehensive sex education
Offering STI testing and treatment services
Encouraging safe sex practices
Providing access to condoms and other protection
Supporting adolescents who have been diagnosed with STIs

Q: What are the future directions for STI prevention among adolescents?

A: Future directions for STI prevention among adolescents include:

Developing and implementing effective sex education programs
Increasing access to STI testing and treatment services
Encouraging safe sex practices and condom use
Supporting adolescents who have been diagnosed with STIs
Addressing the social and cultural factors that contribute to STIs among adolescents.