Knowledge of sexual health issues amongst unmarried young people in Nepal

Abstract

Evidence from other country settings shows that sex education delivered in school can make a positive contribution to children and young people’s knowledge and personal and social development, helping to prevent negative health outcomes such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Using data collected from a survey of over 1,000 students from six secondary schools in Nepal, this paper explores young people’s knowledge of sexual health issues and sources of information.

The data show that detailed knowledge regarding many sexual health issues is low among both young men and women, although exposure to visual media messages and access to informative sources of literature can have a positive impact. Schools appear to play an important role in informing young people about sexual health matters; however, further curriculum and teacher training material development is required with a shift away from superficial biological coverage towards a more inclusive programme.

Citation

Stone, N.; Ingham, R.; Padam Simkhada. Knowledge of sexual health issues amongst unmarried young people in Nepal. Asia Pacific Population Journal (2003) 18 (2) 33-54.

Knowledge of sexual health issues amongst unmarried young people in Nepal

Published 1 January 2003