Reproductive Health Awareness among Higher Secondary School Students of Kozhikode District in Kerala

Abstract

Adolescence is the transitional period between late childhood and the beginning of adulthood, marking the onset of the reproductive lifespan in humans. The reproductive health of adolescents is crucial as it determines the health of future generations. Providing awareness to adolescents about their physical changes, adolescence characteristics, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), menstruation, and related issues can help reduce anxieties and lead them towards a healthy and successful life. With this objective in mind, this study aims to assess the awareness of reproductive health among higher secondary school students in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The study investigates the level of reproductive health awareness among higher secondary school students and its relationship with gender, school management, stream of education, and locality of the students. Data regarding reproductive health awareness were collected from 168 higher secondary school students using a reproductive health awareness tool. Independent sample t-tests and ANOVA were used to determine the significance of differences. The study reveals a significantly high level of awareness of reproductive health among higher secondary school students. There are significant differences in reproductive health awareness based on the gender of students, school management, and stream of education, while no significant difference was found based on the locality of the school. Reproductive health awareness is significantly higher among female students compared to male students. Government-aided school students have significantly higher awareness compared to government school students, and science stream students have higher awareness compared to commerce students.