A survey of adolescent knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality and AIDS in New Zealand

• Main Author: Duncan, Debra Anne
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-1995
• Subjects: Families & family life; Individual & family studies; Personal relationships; Public health; Sociology
• ISBN: 9798209259268

The World Health Organization has raised concerns about adolescent health internationally, and New Zealand is well behind other countries in establishing health services specific to adolescents. A number of health outcomes for adolescents, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are related to sexual behavior. To allow for more informed debate and decision making on strategies for minimizing risks from sexual practice among adolescents more detailed information is necessary, particularly from the adolescents themselves. The purpose of the current study was to create baseline data for adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality and AIDS in New Zealand. A review of selected literature about adolescent sexuality provided foundations for the instrument. The questionnaire was designed to study a variety of aspects of adolescent sexuality, using a self-report format. The first part of the questionnaire addressed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The second section explored circumstances surrounding those students who had engaged in sexual intercourse. The data were collected from students in forms three through seven, (ages 13-17) who completed the questionnaire during regular school hours. The analysis of data involved producing descriptive statistics, creating scales and one-way analysis of variance to help ascertain meaningful relationships in the data set. There was room for improvement in terms of sexual knowledge, particularly on the part of the boys. Students had good factual knowledge regarding AIDS although for many, behaviors did not equate with precautionary behaviors for AIDS prevention. Students with more liberal attitudes tended to hold such views in all respects and to rate their sexual knowledge higher. Nearly one third of the sample had experienced sexual intercourse. An important reason for engaging in sexual intercourse was the couple being in love. Students indicated they would support a sexual health clinic at school. It is important to provide sexuality education. In addition, policies must acknowledge that adolescents are sexual, and that unless expression of adolescent sexuality is addressed and appropriately guided this may lead to future problems both at the personal and societal level. The results from the study should assist in the design of efficacious education and prevention efforts.