"Understanding Attitudes towards Sexuality amongst Junior College Students "

Abstract

Indian youth are being increasingly exposed to various aspects sexuality. On the other hand they are also constrained by traditional gender biases. The authors carried out a study to gauge their knowledge and attitudes towards sexuality as well as the impact of health and life skills education on their thinking. 454 boys and 595 girls of first year PUC in an English medium college in Bangalore were given a questionnaire. There after an interactive one hour session on sexuality was conducted which included the evolutionary basis of male and female reproductive biology, menstruation, masturbation, and gender issues. After the session a post-test was carried out The responses were assessed according to the issue as well as the sex of the respondent. It was concluded that there was a significant difference between the genders on many responses both before and after the session. A large number of students were unsure of the answers in the pre test. However after the session there was a definite increase in correct knowledge. Responses based on traditional values did not reflect similar changes. This study demonstrates that there is a place for sexuality education for adolescents in India.