Adolescent reproductive and sexual health in India: knowledge and behaviour

Nitin Datta, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

About one-fifth of India’s population is in the adolescent age group of 10–19 years. Adolescence is the last chance to correct the growth lag and malnutrition. Many adolescent boys and girls are sexually active but lack information and skill for self-protection especially low level of information on Family Planning, low contraception use. Adolescents have the double disadvantage of carrying the burden of pre-existing diseases of the childhood.This paper attempts to examine the correlates of reproductive and sexual knowledge and behaviour among adolescents vis-à-vis other age groups.Data from nationally representative household survey with multi-stage sampling National Family Health Survey 2005-06 has been used.Preliminary findings suggest that economic status, education and mass media exposure are significant correlates of reproductive and sexual knowledge and behaviour. IEC/BCC strategies envisaged in the Health Policy of India could play a prime role in hastening positive health outcomes for young generation.