'the Taboo That Silences': Awareness About Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues among Adolescent Females during Pubertal Transition. | [Isra Medical Journal • 2017]

Author(s):

1. Quratulain Bashir: Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

2. Ahmed Usman: Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

3. Aaisha Amjad: Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

4. Uzair Amjad: Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: To assess the awareness of urban adolescent females about sexual and reproductive health issues. STUDY DESIGN: An interpretive qualitative study PLACE & DURATION: The study was conducted in two private sector colleges located in highly urbanized areas of Lahore from 1st April 2016 to 30th September 2016. METHODOLOGY: In-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from the adolescent females studying at private sector colleges located in higher socioeconomic status neighborhoods of Lahore. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The study found dearth of knowledge about important sexual and reproductive health issues among adolescent females. Because of the social taboo and stigma aatched with sex education in Pakistan, parents and teachers are usually unable to play an eefctive role in creating awareness among adolescents. This has pushed them to access other sources of acquiring knowledge such as peers, media, and internet, which can be unreliable and exploitative. This study has identifed the need for adequate sexual and reproductive health information among adolescents. CONCLUSION: Due to ineefctive role played by various agents of socialization, especially parents and teachers, there is shortage of understanding and knowledge among adolescent females about sexual and reproductive health issues in order to prepare them for pubertal transition.

Page(s): 381-385

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Isra Medical Journal, Volume: 9, Issue: 6, Year: 2017

Keywords:

Keywords are not available for this article.

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