The adolescent and sexual health

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research and in certain instances the lack of research as wellas extensive experience of the researcher in this field of studyconvinced the researcher that a scientific study / exploration iscritical on the different aspects of adolescent sexual health. Astudy, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitativemethods (triangulation), was conducted to identify and describethe factors playing a role in adolescents' experiencing problemsin maintaining their sexual health.Adolescents are at risk of contracting Sexually TransmittedDiseases including HIV/AIDS because of their sexual behaviour.Initiation of early sexual relations contributing to possiblemultiple sexual partners and failure to consistently use condomscontribute to this risk. Failure to continuously use a reliablecontraceptive method also enhances the risk of unintendedpregnancies and consequent exposure to the risks involved intermination of pregnancy or the psychological effects of givingthe baby up for adoption, the hardship of raising the baby as asingle parent or being forced to marry at a young age. Thus thephysical-, emotional-, and social well being of the adolescent isat risk when they are not equipped to maintain their sexualhealth.The study concludes that adolescents that are sexually activeand have multiple sexual partners have a higher probability ofnot maintaining their sexual health.Based on the outcome of this study the researcher feels stronglythat the following needs to be addressed in order to promote themaintenance of adolescent sexual health:• Professional nurses need to be trained and sensitized toguide and manage adolescents seeking sexual orreproductive advice;• Sexuality programmes need to be integrated into schoolcurricula;• Positive use of the mass media to promote healthylifestyles; and• Training programmes for parents and adolescents.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University