Premarital Research Articles

Benefits of providing videos on the resilience of adolescent girls regarding premarital sexual behavior

The transition period in adolescents increased interest in sexuality can lead to premarital sexual intercourse. Adolescent need education about the resilience of premarital sex through videos. This study aims to determine the benefits of providing video on the resilience of adolescent girls regarding premarital sexual behaviour. The design used pre-experiment with pretest-posttest design. Implementation in March-April 2022 in PGRI 1 Amlapura Senior High School Karangasem Regency, Bali with a total sampling technique of Social and Language Class. The samples are 45 students. The research instrument used a youth resilience questionnaire. Normality test with Shapiro Wilk obtained data is not normally distributed. Analysis used the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of p-value <0.05. The results show the mean before giving a video is 68 and after giving a video the mean is 92. The results of the Wilcoxon test showed there was a significant benefit in giving video with a p-value of 0.001 < 0.05. The comparison of pretest and pottest of adolescent resilience was 44 respondents who had positive ranks and 1 person had ties. Adolescents with low resilience tend to have low self-esteem and pose unwanted risks. Researchers suggest that respondents can apply resilience directly.

Socio-Demographic Factors Contributing to Premarital Sex Among Students of The University of Ilorin

The practice of premarital sex has been increasing drastically lately. With the rate at which students of the Universities are involved in the practice of premarital sex, this study examines the socio-demographic factors contributing to premarital sex among students of the University of Ilorin. Specifically, this study examined if family background and peer influence are contributing factors to premarital sex among students of the University of Ilorin. The population comprised Undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin. Stratified and Systematic random sampling techniques were used to select 180 respondents for the study. A validated questionnaire tested for reliability through the split-half method using Cronbach Alpha which generated 76 was used for the study. Inferential statistics of chi-square (x2) were used to analyse the postulated null hypotheses. The finding revealed that family background and peer influence are contributing factors to premarital sex among students of the University of Ilorin. It is, therefore, recommended that parents should care for their wards/children, give them a listening ear and guide them in necessary steps to avoid them falling into being involved in premarital sex. Students should know the type of friends they keep.

Contemporary pathways to adolescent pregnancy in Indonesia: A qualitative investigation with adolescent girls in West Java and Central Sulawesi.

In the last decade, reduction in adolescent fertility rates in Indonesia has slowed despite national programmes and policies focused on addressing child marriage. Indonesia currently has the highest number of births to adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in Southeast Asia. There is a need to develop a more nuanced understanding of the drivers of adolescent pregnancy in Indonesia to inform programmes and policies tailored to young people's needs and priorities. This study explored adolescent girls' pathways to pregnancy across two provinces (Central Sulawesi and West Java) in Indonesia. We conducted participatory timeline interviews with 79 girls aged 15-21 years from urban, peri-urban, and rural communities and inquired about their relationships and life experiences leading up to pregnancy. We conducted follow-up interviews with 19 selected participants to validate and clarify preliminary findings. We identified six pathways to adolescent pregnancy which were broadly differentiated by the timing of pregnancy relative to marriage. Three pregnancy pathways within marriage were further differentiated by the main motivation for marriage-financial reasons, protecting the girl and family's reputation, or to progress a romantic relationship. Three pregnancy pathways outside marriage were distinguished by the nature of the sexual relationship preceding pregnancy-consensual sex, unwanted or pressured sex, and forced sex. Drivers of adolescent pregnancy include the acceptability of child marriage and stigma surrounding premarital pregnancy, family and social expectations of pregnancy following marriage, harmful gender-based norms and violence, and lack of sexual and reproductive health information and access to services. Adolescents follow varied pathways to pregnancy in Indonesia. The idealisation and acceptance of child marriage is both a catalyst and outcome of adolescent pregnancy, which is occurring amid stigma surrounding premarital sex and pregnancy, harmful gender-based norms and violence, and barriers to contraceptive access and use. Our findings emphasise that there are many drivers of adolescent pregnancy and different pathways will require intervention approaches that address child marriage alongside other key contributors.

Diagnostic challenge in a case of foul-smelling vaginal discharge in a newly attained menarche girl

Foul-smelling vaginal discharge in adolescents often stems from infectious origin, foreign body insertion, neoplasm, congenital anomaly, and sexual abuse. Diagnosing the causes of the discharge remains challenging, especially in cases where sexual and reproductive health awareness is relatively low in the population from marginalized ethnographies and socio-cultural backgrounds. Suspicion of sexual abuse must be explored carefully and sensitively. A history of sexual exposure might not be forthcoming in adolescents where premarital sex is frowned upon. The process of eliciting the causation may be a challenge to healthcare professionals, delaying the diagnosis and subsequent management. In rare circumstances, imaging studies may help confirm the origin of the infection, giving insight into the presentation’s aetiology. We describe a case of Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly (OHVIRA) Syndrome presented with foul-smelling vaginal discharge in a newly attained menarche girl in the North-East region of Peninsular Malaysia. We also discussed the theories and reasons behind the occurrence of such a presentation, along with the diagnostic dilemma in this current case.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE OF HIV/AIDS AND THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HIV/AIDS IN ADOLESCENTS AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 22 BEKASI CITY IN 2023

Background: Adolescence is the transition period from childhood to adulthood, secondary sexual characteristics begin to appear, there is a growth spurt, fertility is achieved, and cognitive and psychological changes occur. Adolescence is actually between childhood and adulthood, so the emotional state is unstable and the desire to try new things is very high, so adolescence is often referred to as a time of self-discovery. One aspect of the development of identity-seeking adolescents is the role of sexuality in developing relationships with peers. Adolescents sexual maturity results in adolescents becoming interested in the physical anatomy of their body. In addition to being attracted to oneself, there is also attraction to the opposite sex. This condition makses adolescents, including students, vulnerable to risky behavior problems, such as premarital sex that leads to unwanted pregnancies and substance abuse. (Prabasari et al., 2019). Research Objective: To determinate the relationship between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in adolescents at SMAN 22 Bekasi City 2023. Research Method: The research method carried out by researchers is quantitative. The research design in this study used observational analytics with a cross sectional design. Cross sectional is an analytical research design that aims to determine the relationship between variable where independent variables and dependent variables are identified at one time. Research Results: Based on statistical analysis with a significant level of 95% or a value of α 5% (0,05) obtained p value (0,000) α value (0,05), so that it can be concluded from these results H0 rejected means that there is a relationship between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in adolescents at SMAN 22 Bekasi City in 2023. Conclusion: H0 rejected means that there is a relationship between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in adolescents at SMAN 22 Bekasi City.

Understanding how social norms influence access to and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Northern Nigeria.

This study explored the influence of social norms on the access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents. Apart from individual and environmental barriers, social norms influence contraceptive decisions and ultimately sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Social norms that shape group behavior describe acceptable standards of behavior and evoke sanctions when such behavior standards are not adhered to. Sexually active adolescents in Nigeria have a relatively low level of modern contraceptive use being influenced by social norms. Scaling up adolescent reproductive health interventions that integrate normative change for a wider impact of programs remains challenging. Using data from 18 communities, 188 married and unmarried adolescents (F52% and M48%) and 69 (F37%; M63%) reference group participants were purposively sampled and participated in a social norms exploration intervention study conducted through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews between October and November 2019. The Advancing Learning and Innovation on Gender Norms (ALIGN) Social Norms Exploration Tool (SNET) was adapted for the data collection into discussion guides and vignettes. Pilot testing of the tools informed review and validation prior to actual data collection. Low contraceptive uptake by adolescents was characterized by early and forced marriage in childhood; a prominent practice enshrined in social norms around girl-childchastity, family honor, and disapproval of pre-marital sex and pregnancy out of wedlock. The understanding of harmful social norms, normative change actors, and potential norm-shifting factors for contraceptive decisions by adolescents is essential for effective adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions for wider impact and adaptive programming in behavior change interventions for improving the access to and utilization of modern contraceptives by adolescents for improved sexual health outcomes, the attainment of the Family Planning (FP) 2030 commitment and universal health coverage policy.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-CONTROL AND PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG BOARDING HOUSES AND NON-BOARDING HOUSES STUDENTS IN DKI JAKARTA

This study aims to examine the relationship between self-control and premarital sexual behavior in boarding houses and non-boarding houses students in DKI Jakarta. The number of samples in this study were 260 students. This research sample uses a quantitative approach by using a self-control scale and a premarital sexual behavior scale. Data were analyzed using pearson correlation and comparing subjects based on residence using independent sample T-test. The results of the correlation between self-control and premarital sexual behavior show that there is a significant negative correlation between the two variables where if self-control is high then premarital sexual behavior is low, and vice versa if self-control is low then premarital sexual behavior will be high. Based on the comparative results of self-control and premarital sexual behavior in boarding houses and non-boarding houses students, it shows that non-boarding houses students have higher self-control than boarding houses students. While premarital sexual behavior in boarding houses students is higher than that of non-boarding houses students

Exploring factors influencing attitudes toward premarital sex among Thai adolescents: a quantitative analysis

In Thai society, teenagers having sex before marriage is often avoided as it is considered forbidden. Nonetheless, it is widely believed that young people are becoming more sexually active before marriage. This study aimed to determine factors associated with attitudes toward premarital sex among Thai adolescents. Secondary data was used and drawn from the 2011 Survey on Conditions of Society and Culture by the National Statistical Office Thailand. The total study population was 674 Thai adolescents, comprising 364 younger adolescents aged 13–16 and 310 older adolescents aged 17–19. Three-quarters of the sample were school-going students. The analysis used Pearson chi-square and binary logistic regression. The results found that age, gender, education status, and acceptance toward sexual behaviors had a significant association with attitude toward premarital sex with those under 15 years old (p < .05). The probability of agreement with premarital sex was highly associated with the acceptance of open sexual behavior. However, older age groups and school-going adolescents had less likelihood of agreeing with premarital sex when compared with younger and out-of-school groups. Female adolescents had less probability of agreeing with premarital sex than males. In conclusion, accepting open sexual behavior is at risk of agreeing with premarital sex, but education programs in school may protect them from it. To provide knowledge and prevent the risk of premature sexual activity, sexual health should be promoted, including the appropriate sexual value, in primary school programs. In addition, the government should encourage sexual health through social activities for out-of-school adolescents.

Education to Increase Adolescents' Knowledge about Reproductive Health and Premarital Sexuality in Lambako Village

Adolescence is a transition between childhood and adulthood where psychological, physical and human reproductive organ changes occur, which is called puberty. Teenagers need serious attention because they are vulnerable to reproductive health problems, namely premarital sex, drugs and HIV/AIDS and are curious about trying various things, including being active in dating. Based on in-depth observations and interviews, there are still many teenagers who do not know about premarital reproductive and sexual health. Therefore, health education activities are carried out with the aim of increasing adolescent knowledge about the importance of adolescent knowledge about premarital sex. The extension method applied is using Leaflet, talk and face-to-face discussions. Outreach results showed that the majority of teenagers' knowledge about premarital sex before counseling activities was poor, 11 people (50.4.5%) and 10 people (40.6%) good. After carrying out premarital sexual counseling activities, there was an increase in knowledge where 17 respondents had good knowledge (80.95%). So it can be concluded that reproductive health education activities have an influence on teenagers' knowledge about premarital sex.

ANALISIS KUALITATIF FAKTOR PERILAKU SEKSUAL PRANIKAH REMAJA BERDASARKAN TEORI PERILAKU LAWRENCE GREEN (Studi Kasus di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Cilembang Kota Tasikmalaya)

Adolescence is a period of transition from children to adults. Adolescence is a period of transition from children to adults. Behavior that leads to intimacy, sexual attraction and sexual habits carried out by two people of the same sex or the opposite sex before a legal marriage is called premarital sex behavior. This study aims to determine what factors can influence adolescent premarital sexual behavior based on the behavioral theory of Lawrence Green and Sarwono and how it impacts. The method in this research is a qualitative method with a case study approach. Informants are teenage girls who have premarital sex. The results of this study indicate predisposing factors for premarital sexual behavior, namely lack of knowledge, increased sexual libido, emotions, expectations, enabling factors for sexual behavior, namely the use of technological developments and information that is not wise. Reinforcing factors for sexual behavior are the attitudes of parents who taboo on sex, attitudes of peers that have a negative influence, delaying the age of marriage, tabooing sex, sexual violence, role vacancies, economics, conditions for joining the group. The impact of this sexual behavior is depression, low self- esteem, reproductive organ disorders, STD, pregnancy out of wedlock, sex addiction, regret, decreased school performance, social sanctions, sex becomes a teenage lifestyle, and sexual deviations. Therefore, to overcome this, it takes a wise attitude from parents, the community, health workers, and the youth themselves, so that they can get through the transition period safely.

Effectiveness knowledge of the prohibition of Zina in Islam towards pre-marriage sex students at Nurul Huda Islamic Boarding School Surabaya

Introduction: Adolescent sexual development due to increased sexual hormone testosterone in men and estrogen in women. increase the hormone that is the cause of increased sexual drive, in normative adolescents, adolescent sexual behavior is often manifested as unhealthy sexual behavior and carried out during the pre-marital. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of understanding of the concept of adultery with premarital sexual behavior in high school students Nurul Huda Surabaya Method: This research is a quantitative analytical observational study with a cross-sectional simple random sampling technique. The sample size in this study of 30 people with a chi-square test model analysis Results: The results showed no significant correlation between understanding the concept of adultery with premarital sexual behavior in adolescents with p-value <0.05 (p = 0.007) Conclusion: The higher level of understanding of the concept of adultery, according to Islam, the lower the occurrence of premarital sexual behavior.

The Role of Parents in Providing Sex Education to Teenagers

This research was conducted to explore and know the role of parents in providing sex education to adolescents and preventing premarital sex. The research method used is a type of qualitative research with a library research approach to collect various information and obtain in-depth information. The data collection technique used is library research. the object of research and documentation while the data analysis technique used is by reducing data, presenting, and verifying data. The results of the study show that the role of parents in providing sex education from an early age has been carried out but has not been optimal. The roles parents have carried out include setting an example of loving their bodies, watching their children while watching television, teaching them not to undress in front of the opposite sex, and providing clothes according to the sex of the child. While some things have not been done optimally, such as giving an example of protecting oneself from sexual violence, here we also see the role of parents in educating their children to protect themselves from deviant acts.

PENGGUNAAN MEDIA SOSIAL INSTAGRAM DALAM PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN INFORMASI REPRODUKSI REMAJA KOTA BATAM

Adolescents need to obtain reproductive health information through accurate sources for consideration of taking an action. Efforts to find the information needed will lead to behavior, which is called information seeking behavior. This information seeking behavior is an effort to find something as a result of the need to meet certain goals. The impact of the unavailability of information and the low understanding of adolescents about reproductive health results in adolescents engaging in risky behaviors such as pre-marital sex, early marriage, and unwanted pregnancy. Social media Instagram tabu.id is the closest thing to today's society. then with the existence of social media, all information can be conveyed quickly. Tabu.id utilizes social media, especially Instagram, to disseminate information about reproductive health, while in Indonesian society itself it is still considered taboo to talk about. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of social media instagram @tabu.id in fulfilling the reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City and to determine the role of social media instagram @tabu.id in fulfilling the reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City. The research method used is quantitative method research using simple regression analysis. The results showed that there was an influence between the use of Instagram social media on the fulfillment of reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City. 
 Keywords: Social Media, Information Needs, Adolescent Reproduction

Uptake of HIV testing and its correlates among sexually experienced college students in Southwestern, China: a Web-Based online cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is becoming more common among college students in China. However, latest data on the prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among sexually experienced college students is rarely.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among college students aged 18 years or older using multistage stratified cluster sampling from 16 colleges. Data on socio-demographic, HIV testing, HIV-related awareness, attitudes, sexual education and behaviors were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with HIV testing.ResultA total of 108,987 students participated the survey, of which 13,201 sexually experienced college students were included in this study. 1,939 (14.69%) college students with sexual experience reported uptake of HIV testing in the preceding year. The uptake of HIV testing increased for college students with a rising HIV knowledge score and sexual health knowledge. Being awareness of HIV-related knowledge (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01–1.30), accepting one-night stands (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:1.03–1.32), obtaining satisfactory sexual interpretation from parent(s) (aOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.07–1.43), ever had unintended pregnancy (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.32–2.38), ever had received HIV-related preventive service(s) (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.10–1.70), ever had participated HIV-related preventive services (aOR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.99–4.75) and ever had anal sex (aOR = 2.66, 95%CI: 2.11–3.34) were positively associated with uptake of HIV testing. However, accepting premarital sex (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66–0.88), accepting cohabitation (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.61–0.92), occasionally discussing sex with parent(s) (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.50–0.91), and being with moderate satisfaction of school sex courses (aOR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.58–0.95) were negatively associated with uptake of HIV testing.ConclusionThe prevalence of HIV testing was relatively low. Participation in HIV-related services and high-risk sexual behaviors were important enablers for testing. Improving sex education for students, increasing HIV preventive services on campus, and improving family sex education are necessary to increase HIV testing among college sexually experienced students.

Factors Affecting Decisions Not to Engage in Premarital Sex Among Maritime First-Year Students in Cebu, Philippines

Premarital sex can be both fulfilling and detrimental to college students. Studies were conducted on the factors that induced premarital sex among college students. However, no study has been conducted yet, regarding maritime students-based factors affecting premarital sex decisions in the Philippines. The objective of this study is to provide the general public, especially the student-readers, an idea of the extent of the factors affecting decisions not to engage in premarital sex among maritime first-year students in Cebu, Philippines. Three hundred sixty maritime first-year students were selected from the University of Cebu maritime department of S.Y. 2020-2021. A descriptive-quantitative method of research without experimentation was utilized. Systematic random sampling was used to establish the sample size. A modified survey questionnaire adopted from the study was used as the main instrument. Percentages and frequency counts were used to calculate and interpret the data. Results revealed that most respondents were not involved in premarital sexual activities. The major factors affecting their decisions not to engage in premarital sex are family values, followed by religious doctrines. The results of the study will also enrich literature in as much as it will give numbers and facts as bases to the Philippine Commission for Higher Education, college institutions, and ethics teachers in the Philippines to promote the use of books and the creation of teaching materials that tackle more lessons on sexuality, family and religious values to reinforce the Filipino maritime students for the present and future moral challenges.

Deciphering Maritime Students-Based Standpoints on Sexual Ethics

Standpoints on sexual issues are viewed from several angles. When acted upon, these standpoints are beneficial to the individual and others, but some results may be detrimental. Many studies have been conducted about students’ stances concerning masturbation, pornography, homosexual sex, premarital sex, and extramarital sex. Still, there is no existing study about sexual standpoints based on maritime students, even in the Philippines. This study assessed the sexual ethical perspectives of the 360 first-year maritime students of the University of Cebu for S.Y. 2020-2021. This study has used the descriptive-quantitative survey method. The frequency counts, the simple percentages, the weighted means, and the standard deviations were calculated. The questionnaire was adopted from the study. Data revealed that most respondents were uncertain whether pornography is immoral, disagreed with the idea that masturbation is immoral, agreed with the notion that homosexual sex and premarital sex are immoral, and strongly agreed on the immorality of extramarital sex. There is a correlation between gender and the respondents’ standpoints on masturbation but not pornography, homosexual sex, premarital sex, and extramarital sex. Further, there is no significant relationship between age and the respondents’ standpoints. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge in so far as it will provide facts and figures to help the government and ethics teachers of the Philippines to promote the use of books and the creation of teaching materials that include sexuality and its implications to prepare Filipino maritime students to face future sexual moral challenges.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DENGAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN SISWA PUTRI SEKOLAH DASAR DALAM MENGHADAPI MENARCHE TAHUN 2023

A maximum In indonesian society, menstrual problems are still considered taboo to talk about, so early adolescents lack good enough knowledge and attitudes about the physical and psychological changes related to menarche. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between knowledge and the level of anxiety of elementary school female students in facing menarche in 2023. This research used analytical methods with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study was 133 students of V and VI grades in Public Elementary School 009 Botania Batam. Purposive Sampling Process used Slovin Technique. Data collection by observation and questionnaire distribution. This statistical test using Chi-square parametric test. The results of the univariate analysis of the majority of respondents' knowledge were sufficient with 33 students (57.9%) and the majority of respondents' anxiety level facing menarche was at the level of not anxious with 34 students (59.6%). The results of the bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between the knowledge of female students and the level of anxiety in dealing with menarche. (p.value 0.001). It is expected that the educational institution will take preventive action by conducting education about premarital sexual behavior in students

Investigating the Attitude of Students of Tertiary Institutions towards HIV/AIDS: A Case Study of Ekiti State University, Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study aimed to investigate students’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. The research utilized both descriptive and inferential survey methods, with a total of 160 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Standard Questionnaires were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using frequency count, percentage, and t-test analysis for inferential statistics. The study revealed that the causes of HIV/AIDS included unprotected sex, prostitution, and pre-marital sexual activities, while symptoms included coughing, sneezing, swollen lymph nodes, and rash, among others. Although there is no permanent cure, individuals with HIV/AIDS can maintain their health by adopting a positive attitude and managing the disease effectively. Additionally, they can learn how to remain negative if they test negative. Drawing from the study’s findings, the following recommendations are made: students who find it difficult to control their sexual urges should use condoms to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. It is essential for their attitudes toward HIV/AIDS to change positively. Moreover, they should be cautious about blood transfusions and avoid using unsterilized sharp objects like needles that have been previously used by others. The government should intensify the dissemination of information about HIV/AIDS through educational programs. Raising awareness and educating the public on prevention and management can contribute to reducing the spread of the virus. Nigerian students should be encouraged to undergo regular HIV/AIDS blood tests to know their status. Overcoming the fear of stigmatization and discrimination associated with testing is crucial for early detection and better management.

Moroccan Youth and Sexuality: An Empirical Assessment of Visual Media Contribution

Despite the advent of myriads of channels of visual communication, such as social networking sites, the medium of television has managed not only to survive but has rather transcended both time and space to be more readily accessible, be it synchronously or asynchronously and to reach larger audiences in remote and rather disadvantaged areas. However, many critics of televised mediated communication claim that TV offers stereotypical representations of family models gender relations and, at times, inflames racial and ethnic attitudes (Essani, 2007; Makboul, 2007; Marzouk, 2007; & Shalabih, 2007). Many programs aired on Arab satellite television, such as soap operas, sit-coms, and serials, are accused of disseminating illicit practices and allegedly ‘deviant’ sexual orientations. The purpose of this paper, then, is to examine the extent to which heavy viewing of imported television programs lead Moroccan university students to endorse permissive attitudes regarding premarital sex and same-sex sexual practices. One hypothesis was put forth to test these relationships, and a survey was used to collect data from the participants in the study. Results of the statistical analysis moderately corroborate the proposed postulate, and thus the findings generally do lend support to the cultivation theory. The paper closes by outlining key recommendations and suggesting directions for future research.

Persistence moral decadence among youth in the Presbyterian church of East Africa, Chuka Presbytery, Kenya

This study sought to investigate the factors responsible for the persistence of moral decadence among the youth in PCEA Chuka Presbytery in spite of the measures taken by PCEA to curb it. Moral decadence among the youth has been rampant globally. Research and media reports indicate that a high percentage of youths indulge in anti-social vices such as indecent dressing, drug abuse, pre-marital sex, violence and crime, among others. Despite interventions by religious organisations, government sectors and other actors, the persistence of moral decline among the youth continues to be a threat to society. The study adopted the Descriptive survey design. It was carried out in Chuka Presbytery, located in the Eastern region of PCEA in Tharaka Nithi County. The target population was 3286 church members comprising 6 church ministers, 1743 adult church members and 1537 youths in the six parishes of Chuka Presbytery. The sample size was 334. Data was obtained using Focus Group Discussions, interviews and questionnaires. The study established that the persistence of youth moral decadence resulted from multiple factors, including inadequate parental upbringing, youth pursuit and the quest for materialism, peer pressure, a decline in religious, moral instruction, and an opulent lifestyle, among others. In view of the findings obtained in this study, it is recommended that the clergy and other Chuka presbytery members involved in implementing youth moral programmes should embrace the use of more innovative ways of delivering moral education to the youth.