Abstract :
Background and Objective: Reproductive health is a crucial component of general health during
adolescence and adulthood as the severity of problems faced during the time of puberty decides the
health of next generation as well as the health of both males and females beyond reproductive
years. A majority of young teenagers are still far from access of education on sexual and
reproductive health and rights. This study attempts to understand the knowledge and perceptions of
school-going adolescents regarding pubertal changes, pregnancy, abortion, menstruation (girls only),
masturbation (boys only) and problems of reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of Varanasi city of
Uttar Pradesh, India. It consists of 650 boys and 1022 girls of 9th and 11th standard of both Hindi
and English medium schools. Both boys and girls are interviewed by a self-administered structured
questionnaire maintaining high level of confidentiality
Keyword :
Adolescence, Sexual health, Education/school, Puberty, Knowledge and perceptions, Internet/media (Computer, TV, etc.)