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A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health

  • Veena Ganesh Kamath , Asha Kamath , Kallol Roy EMAIL logo , Chythra Raghavendra Rao , Asha Hegde and Lena Ashok
Published/Copyright: May 3, 2016

Abstract

In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH.

Methods:

A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16–19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews.

Results:

The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. “Pornography”, “wrong myths about RH”, “substance use”, and “sexual attractions” were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services.

Conclusion:

RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.

Acknowledgments:

The authors thank all the participants who agreed to participate in the study and the project’s medical social workers.

  1. Conflicts of interest statement: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Received: 2015-12-23
Accepted: 2016-3-12
Published Online: 2016-5-3

©2018 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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