Adolescent behaviour regarding reproductive health.

A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in rural areas of district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, to assess the knowledge, beliefs and practices of adolescents about reproductive health. Six hundred and forty three unmarried adolescents aged 15-19 years were selected by 30-cluster sampling method from 2400 households. They were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule. Fifty-six per cent were girls. More girls (14%) were illiterate than boys (6%). Most of the boys (88%) and 58% girls knew that a female conceives through sexual intercourse. Seventy seven per cent girls and eighty seven per cent boys were aware of at least one contraceptive method. Majority of the girls (71%) and boys (82.5%) favoured termination of an unwanted pregnancy. About one-fourth respondents considered husband responsible for infertility and for sex of the baby. Boys considered night emission, poor body built and less growth of hair as reproductive health problems, whereas, girls were worried about menstruation and inadequate breast development. Almost 6% boys reported use of a contraceptive method indicating existence of pre-marital sexual activity. Knowledge on reproductive health is low and there is a big gap between actual and desired practices.