Knowledge, and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka; Adolescent health for a better tomorrow

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Vithana, Chamanthi Wijemanne, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2067354/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 02 Mar, 2023 Read the published version in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Sexual and reproductive health is a major concern among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices of the youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 425 youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Comparison of categorical variables was conducted using Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test as applicable. Results: Study group consisted of 51.8% (n=220) males and 48.2% (n=205) females with mean age of 18.6 years (SD= 1.8). Only 49% (n=211) knew that nocturnal emission is normal in young men, while 8% (n=34) thought that nocturnal emission would weaken their body. Only 47.5% (n=202) had ever heard of condoms, and 13.2% (n=56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. While 23.3% (n=98) identified abortion could cause maternal death, 53.9% (n=227) knew that teenage pregnancy lead to complications in both mother and baby. A majority, 75.5% (n=318) expressed that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 114 (26.8%) correctly identified abstinence and limiting to one faithful sexual partner as successful ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI). Nearly 8% (n=33) said that they engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Of them, nearly 75% (n=23) had their first sexual contact at the age of 14-18 years and only 58% (n=19) had used condoms. Male gender (p<0.001), being a Buddhist (P=0.027), age above 20 years (P=0.002), having a education level above grade 11 (p=0.022) were positively associated with SRH knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: Knowledge and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees were sub-standard. Study recommends strengthening sexual and reproductive health education at youth training centers. Adolescents Sexual and reproductive health teenage pregnancy Sexually transmitted disease family planning Introduction Global Situation Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) in adolescent girls is one of the primary concerns in sustainable development goals. Evidence indicates that in each year nearly sixteen million girls aged 15-19 years give birth, which accounts for 11% of all births worldwide. Approximately 95% of these births occur in low and middle income countries(1). Adolescents face higher risk of complications and deaths as a result of pregnancy than women aged above twenty, while their babies face higher risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery and severe neonatal conditions(2). Moreover, sexually transmitted diseases are becoming a growing concern among adolescents and youth across the world. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), out of the 18 million of STI infected people in USA in the year 2018, adolescents and youth accounted for nearly 50%(3). Situation in Sri Lanka Nearly one fourth of the Sri Lankan population consists of adolescents and youth. This is an important group of the country’s population, who will decide the financial and political stability of the country in future. Hence, investing on the health and well-being of adolescents and youth is crucial for ensuring a better tomorrow. Available evidence shows that Sexual and Reproductive Health issues are a major problem among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka(4). According to World Bank reports adolescent fertility rate did not show a drastic change over the past decade where births per thousand adolescents aged 15-19 years was 19.5 in the year 2010, while it was 20.5 in 2020(5). Data from National STD/AIDs control program indicates that the number of youths infected with sexually transmitted disease has been on a rise during the past few decades. Furthermore, in Sri Lanka nearly 12,000 sexual abuse cases were reported during the year 2015. Still, the evidence show that the number is under-reported(6). National youth health survey assessed certain components of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices among youth as a whole, and as school going and non-school going categories in 2012. The survey demonstrated that nearly 50% of the Sri Lankan youth are unaware of common SRH issues. It was also found that 14.7% of the Sri Lankan youth are sexually active, while majority out of them were out of school. Further, among sexually active youth, only 30.4% reported of using condoms during the preceding year. Over the years reproductive health interventions were carried out targeting school children in Sri Lanka. This included incorporation of the sexual and reproductive health module in to the school curriculum. Despite of these interventions, the National Youth Health Survey 2012/13 showed that only 59% of the youth received SRH education in schools. In a survey carried out in plantation sector, youth considered teachers as the most unreliable source of SRH information(7). Nevertheless, delivering SRH education in schools neglect the out of school youth or the most vulnerable population who are at risk of developing sexual and reproductive health issues. Since, youth training institutes give shelter to both schooling and non-schooling young population in the country, it was identified as a better platform to deliver SRH knowledge to the young generation in Sri Lanka. Hence, in the year 2018, with the opinion of the experts in relevant fields it was decided to incorporate sexual and reproductive health module into the youth training curriculum in youth training institutes steered under the Ministry of youth affairs. So far, no study has been conducted to assess the present knowledge and practices on SRH among youth trainees attached to youth ministry training centers after the incorporation of SRH module into the curriculum. This research was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices on sexual and reproductive health matters among youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka. Findings of the present study will help to identify the gaps in the current training curriculum and provide guidance to do necessary revisions to existing SRH module in the training curriculums. Methodology A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 425 youth trainees aged 15-29 years attached to training centers of Youth Corps and National Youth Service Council which are functioning under Ministry of Youth Affairs in Sri Lanka, to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices on sexual and reproductive health. Trainees who are undergoing training for over three months period were included in the study. The sample of youth trainees were selected from six youth training centers using simple random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire that was developed with extensive literature review and expert opinion was used for data gathering. The developed questionnaire was pretested among a sample of thirty youth in the same age group selected from a different youth training center. The questionnaire included questions to assess trainee’s knowledge on male and female reproductive tract and function, family planning, pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases. The questionnaire also assessed trainee’s sexual and reproductive health practices. Following the development of the questionnaire, it was tested for the face, content and consensual validity by a panel of experts using modified Delphi technique. The Cronbach’s alpha value >0.7 indicated fair alignment of the questions with each other. Correlation co-efficient for test-retest reliability was Data collection was done by trained youth who were awaiting university entrance. Data collectors visited each training center to collect data from youth trainees. All data were coded and entered into a database which had been created using standard statistical package SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Comparison of categorical variables was conducted using Chi-Square test when an expected value in one of the cells (2 by 2 analyses) was more than five and with Fisher’s exact test when the sample size was small and when an expected value in one of the cells (2 by 2 analyses) was less than five. Significant level was taken as p<0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, while administrative clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the authorities at youth training centers. Patient-public involvement In the designing stage of the research focus group discussions were carried out with a sample of youth and their mothers in the community to explore sexual and reproductive health needs of the youth in Sri Lanka. One of the major concerns of both young persons and their mothers was the lack of SRH knowledge among youth which need to be improved. This directed us to explore the present knowledge on SRH among the both schooling and out of school youth and to identify the need to modify the content in SRH module. Since, youth training centers give shelter to both schooling and non-schooling youth. The findings of the study will be disseminated to officials in the youth ministry in order to proceed with the curriculum modifications. Advocacy programs will be carried out targeting the youth ministry officials as well as to the education ministry to prove the requirement of comprehensive sexuality education to children. Results Four hundred and twenty-five youth trainees participated for the assessment. Response rate was 98%. 3.1 Socio-Demographic Variables Over 85% of the group were Sinhalese (n=365; 85.9%) with 51.8% (n=220) of the group consisting of males and 48.2% (n=205) being females. Age of the group ranged from 17-29 years with a mean age of 18.6 years with a standard deviation of 1.8 years. Over 80% (n=351; 82.6%) were Buddhists 5.2% (n=22) were Christians. Only 4.7% (n=20) were Hindus and 7.5% (n=32) were Islamic Ninety six percent (n=406) were educated at school up to grade 11 or above while all had education level of grade 6 and above. Of the group only 4% (n=17) were part time employed. Among sample, only 5 (1.2%) were married. For 81.1% (n=344) mode of transport to training center was train. Out of the sample eighty (18.9%) were staying at a place apart from their own house. Ninety one percent (n=386) of the youth in the sample were having siblings. Nearly half of the group (n=226, 55.7%) expressed that their family income per month was Rs.20000.00 or below. Over 90% (92%, n=391) were following a 6-month course. Only 7.3% (n=31) were following longer courses than 6 months (Table 1). Table 1-Distribution of Youth Trainees by Socio-Demographic Characteristics Variable Number (n) Percentage (%) Nationality (n=425) Sinhala Tamil Muslim Others 365 26 32 2 85.9 6.1 7.5 0.5 Age in Years (n=425) Mean 18.6 SD=1.821 Sex (n=425) Female Male 205 220 48.2 51.8 Religion (n=425) Buddhist Christion Hindu Islam 351 22 20 32 82.6 5.2 4.7 7.5 Highest Education Level (n=421) Grade 6-10 Grade 11 and above 15 406 3.6 96.4 Marital Status (n=414) Never married Married or living together 409 5 98.8 1.2 Place of living (n=406) Own home Another place 344 80 81.1 18.9 Family income (n=406) Rs.20000 and below > Rs.20,000 226 180 55.7 44.3 Having siblings (n-425) Yes No 386 39 90.8 9.2 Duration of training (n=422) 6 month and below >6months 391 31 92.7 7.3 3.2 Knowledge on Sexual & Reproductive Health A greater percentage (83.4%, n=351) of the trainees knew that a new life begins by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum. Only 309 (73.7%) knew that the sperms are produced by the testicles, while 48.2% (n=203) incorrectly believed that ova are produced by the uterus. Only 41.3% (n=174) knew that testosterone is a male hormone responsible for male pubertal changes. Only 49% (n=211) knew that nocturnal emission or wet dreams are normal for a boy during this age. Eight percent (n=34) thought that nocturnal emission can make their body weak. Only 52% (n=221) knew that size of the penis in boys can vary from person to person. Nearly 48% (n=204) believed that size of the sexual organs can affect their reproductive capability (Table 2). Table 2- Youth Trainee’s Knowledge on Sexual Changes during Puberty and the Physiology of the Reproductive Tract Variable Number (n) Percentage (%) The start of a new life begins with the fusion of sperm with an ovum (n=421) True False Do not know 351 14 56 83.4 3.3 13.3 Sperm are produce in testis (N=421) True False Do not know 309 10 102 73.4 2.4 24.2 Ova are produced by uterus (n=421) True False Do not know 203 121 97 48.2 28.7 23.0 Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for male pubertal changes (n=421) True False Do not know 174 23 224 41.3 5.5 53.2 It is normal for adolescent males to have nocturnal emissions (n=421) True False Do not know 211 31 179 50.1 7.4 42.5 Size of penis and testicles can vary from one person to other(n=421) True False Do not know 221 8 192 52.5 1.9 45.6 Size of the reproductive organ can affect a person’s reproductive capability (n=421) True False Do not know 204 196 21 48 46.5 49.9 4.3 Trainee’s knowledge on family planning method Only 35.5% (n=151) of the youth claimed that they have ever heard of family planning. The percentage of youth who had ever heard of condoms was 47.5% (n=202). Only 13.2% (n=56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. Nineteen out of thirty-three youth (57.6%) who engaged in sexual intercourse used a condom during the sexual activity (Table 3). Table 3- Distribution of Youth Trainee by Knowledge on Family planning Variable Number (n) Percentage (%) Heard about Depo-Provera injections (n=421) Yes No 13 408 3.1 96.9 Heard about intrauterine device (n=421) Yes No 28 393 6.7 93.3 Heard about hormonal implant (n=421) Yes No 13 408 3.1 96.9 Heard about emergency contraceptive pills (n=421) Yes No 56 365 13.3 86.7 Condom can prevent getting sexually transmitted diseases (n=421) Yes No 51 370 12.1 87.9 4.4 Trainee’s knowledge on pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted disease Out of the group only 23.3% (n=98) knew that induced abortion may lead to death while 53.9% (n=227) knew that teenage pregnancy can give rise to complications in both mother and baby. A majority 75.5% (n=318) expressed that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 47% (n=198) knew that healthy looking person may still be infected with HIV. Nearly seventy five percent (n=318) of the youth knew that HIV/AIDs can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 114 (26.8%) correctly identified abstinence and limiting to one faithful sexual partner as a better way to prevent getting sexually transmitted infections (STI), while 12.9% (n=55) knew that by using condoms one can avoid contracting sexually transmitting disease. Six percent (n=26) of the youth incorrectly expressed that avoiding common toilets as a method for prevent getting STI. Another nineteen percent (n=81) incorrectly said they can avoid getting STIs by not sharing face towels (Table 4). Table 4- Distribution of Youth Trainee by Knowledge on Pregnancy, Abortion and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection Variable Number (n) Percentage (%) Induce abortion may even lead to death (n=421) Yes No Do not Know 98 6 317 23.3 1.4 75.3 Teenage pregnancy leads to complication to baby and mother (n=421) True False Do not know 227 16 178 53.9 3.8 42.3 HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by sexual intercourse (n=421) True False Do not know 318 11 92 75.5 2.6 21.9 People can protect themselves from HIV/AID by using condom corrected with every sexual intercourse (n=421) True False Do not know 148 64 209 35.2 15.2 49.6 A person can prevent getting STI by abstaining from sex (n=425) Yes No 114 311 26.8 73.2 A person can prevent from getting infected with STI by using a condom when have sex (n=425) Yes No 113 312 26.6 73.4 A person can prevent from getting infected with STI by not using common toilet (n=425) Yes No 26 399 6.1 93.9 A person can prevent from getting SIT by not sharing face towel (n=425) Yes No 81 344 19.1 80.9 4.5 Practices related to sexual and reproductive health Out of the sample 22.8% (n=97) youth knew a friend who has experienced sexual intercourse. Among them 56.6% (n=77) had sexual intercourse with their partner, while 11.8% (n=16) were with a commercial sex worker. Nearly 8% (n=33) of the youth claimed that they have engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Out of those who have had sexual intercourse, nearly 74.2% (n=23) had had their first sexual contact at the age of 14-18 years. Many of them (59.3%%, n=48) said that they had sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nearly 6.2% (n=5) had their first sexual encounter with a relative, while for 2.5% (n=2) it was with a commercial sex worker. However, 29% (n=24) said they had sex with some other person (Table 3). Of the ones who had engaged in sexual intercourse, only 57.6% (n=19) had used condoms when having sex (Table 5). Moreover, 24.2% (n=8) claimed that they have ever used a contraceptive other than condoms during sexual contact. Table 5- Sexual and Reproductive Health Practices among Youth Trainees Variable Number (n) Percentage (%) Have you ever had sexual intercourse? (n=425) Yes No 33 392 7.8 92.2 If yes, with who did you have sex? (n=33) Girl or boy friend Other friend Relative Commercial sexual worker Other 48 2 5 2 24 59.3 2.56.2 2.5 29.6 Did you use condoms during the sexual activity? (n=33) Yes No Have you ever used any contraceptive other than condoms, during sexual intercourse (n=33) Yes No 19 14 8 25 58.0 42.0 24.2 75.8 Associations of Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices Male gender (p<0.001), being a Buddhist (P=0.027), age above 20 years (P=0.002), having a education level above grade 11 (p=0.022) were positively associated with SRH knowledge. However, none of the demographic factors were having significant relationship with early sexual debut among adolescents in our sample (Table 6). Table 6 Variable Knowledge score >50 Knowledge score <50 Significance(p) Number (N) Percentage (%) Number (N) Percentage (%) Sex Male 61 27.7 159 72.3 <0.001 Female 22 10.7 183 89.3 Age 15-20 years 59 20.8 225 79.2 0.002 Above 20 years 43 35.5 78 64.5 Religion Buddhist 95 27.1 256 72.9 0.027 Non-Buddhist 11 14.9 63 85.1 Education level (n=421) Grade 6-10 03 20.0 12 80.0 0.022 Above 11 106 26.1 300 73.9 Discussion Results indicated that youth trainee’s knowledge on pubertal changes, conception and family planning was not satisfactory. Many youths didn’t know about the complications of a teenage pregnancy (46%, n=198) or about the consequences of an induced abortion (76.7%, n=327). Moreover, it was seen that male gender, age above 20 years, Buddhist religion and having an educational level above O/L s were positive determinants of SRH knowledge. Similar to above findings National Youth Health survey 2012/13 has indicated that knowledge about SRH among young persons is not up to the expected level(7). It is found that the main reason for poor knowledge on SRH is related to lack of school-based SRH education(8). However, in contrast to the present study findings, National youth health survey indicated that nearly one third of the Sri Lankan youth engaged in some form of sexual activity during the preceding year. However, similar to the present study findings Many youth(84%) who engaged in sex reported to have sex with their partner(7). The present study findings were similar to a study carried out in Sikkim, India indicated that adolescent girls’ knowledge about STDs other than HIV, safe sex, and condom used remained at low level. The same study revealed that older adolescents knew more about SRH matters compared to young(9). A study conducted in two states in India found that 9% of the boys and 4% of the girls in adolescent age, engaged in early sexual debut. The same study also found that the prevalence of early sexual debut was more among boys than girls and among school drop outs compared to schooling adolescents(10). Similar to the studies done in Sri Lanka, studies that have been carried out among the adolescents across Sub-Saharan Africa indicate many adolescents lack knowledge on menstruation, STIs other than HIV(11). Furthermore studies from South Africa also indicate that adolescents’ knowledge on SRH is no better compared to our region where many were not aware of pregnancy and other SRH related issues(12). Strengths and Limitations Conducting the study on youth attached to youth training institutes enabled to retrieve information related to SRH knowledge and practices among both schooling and non-schooling youth which was a major strength of this study. Carrying out the study in the institutional setting was one main limitation in this study since it may have contributed to misinformation. There is possibility that youth did not come up with true information due to fear and embarrassment. Moreover, the use of self-administered questionnaire to collect data from youth may have introduced information bias as a result of societal stigma around the study topic. Public health implications of the study findings The findings of the study indicate the need to identify the best ways to deliver sexual and reproductive health information to youth. Just incorporating sexual and reproductive health module into the curriculum would not be sufficient to deliver the message to the audience, unless the correct techniques have been identified and adapted. Conclusion And Recommendations The results of this study indicated that youth trainees attached to the training centers in Sri Lanka are not having satisfactory knowledge on SRH, while their SRH practices were sub-standard. The results indicate the need to upgrade the SRH module that has been included into the youth training center curriculum, giving special attention to contraception and STI prevention. Further, it is required to develop effective IEC material and ensure continuous training of the teacher instructors to deliver the module to youth in an effective way. Future research Research has to be carried out to explore the deficiencies in the content and delivery of the SRH module in youth training centers. Further, future research should aim at finding the most effective ways to deliver SRH information to youth in youth training centers and universities in Sri Lanka. References Morris JL, Rushwan H. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: The global challenges. Int J Gynecol Obstet [Internet]. 2015; 131:S40–2. Available from : i>http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.02https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancyhttps://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm</i . Agampodi SB, Agampodi TC. Adolescents Percept reproductive health care Serv Sri. 2008;8:1–8. Kaveke LV. Adolescent fertility rate in Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2019 . 2022. Perera B. Prevalence and correlates of sexual abuse reported by late adolescent. school Child Sri Lanka. 2009;21(2):203–11. Thalagala NI, Lokubalasooroya A, Danansuriya M, Godakandage S. National youth survey-2012-13: Health profile and risk behaviors of the Sinhalese, Buddhist unmarried youth stratum . J Coll Community Physicians Sri Lanka. 2014 Jun 1;19 :2–10. UNFPA. Population matters. 2017. . Mukhopadhyay S, Mishra SK. Knowledge and Practices About Sexual Health and Its Socioeconomic Correlates Among Adolescent Girls in Sikkim, India. Orient Anthropol A Bi-annual Int J Sci Man. 2021 Jun;21(1):49–66. . Muhammad T, Srivastava Id S, Kumar Id P, Kishor S. What predicts the early sexual debut among unmarried adolescents (10–19 years)? evidence from UDAYA survey, 2015–16. 2021; Available from : i>https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252940</i . Finlay JE, Assefa N, Mwanyika-Sando M, Dessie Y, Harling G, Njau T, et al. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in eight sites across sub-Saharan Africa. 2019. Govender D, Naidoo S, Taylor M. Knowledge, attitudes and peer influences related to pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health among adolescents using maternal health services in Ugu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health. 2019 Jul 11;19(1). . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 02 Mar, 2023 Read the published version in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Major revision 20 Oct, 2022 Reviews received at journal 20 Oct, 2022 Reviews received at journal 16 Oct, 2022 Reviewers agreed at journal 04 Oct, 2022 Reviewers agreed at journal 27 Sep, 2022 Reviewers agreed at journal 27 Sep, 2022 Reviewers invited by journal 24 Sep, 2022 Editor assigned by journal 18 Sep, 2022 Submission checks completed at journal 18 Sep, 2022 First submitted to journal 15 Sep, 2022 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-2067354","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":137627343,"identity":"2e269532-87e7-4859-8c5a-2036d8549c44","order_by":0,"name":"Dilini Mataraarachchi","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA7ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCw8wNEAZ7Q+IDIMXDR1gLI1BLAkjtgccGIIqNoJYDMC0Sic8kQAIEtfAdZ2zd8POHXT5/z+G0yq85djJsDMwPH93Ao0XyMGPbzZ6EZMsZx9vSbstuSwY6jM3YOAePFgOglhs8CcwGDGfOpN2W3MYM1MLDJk1Iy80/CfUG8jfyvxVLbqsnTsttnoTDBgY3EtIYP247TFgLyC+3ZdKOGxieOZAszbjtOA8bMwG/8J0/fOzmG5tqA7njDYkff26rtudnb374GJ8WFMDMAyaJVQ4CjD9IUT0KRsEoGAUjBgAAW6JNkynpf/IAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dilini","middleName":"","lastName":"Mataraarachchi","suffix":""},{"id":137627344,"identity":"a3740848-a3db-4e72-b765-3fab00fc4c7d","order_by":1,"name":"P.V.S.C. 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Approximately 95% of these births occur in low and middle income countries(1). Adolescents face higher risk of complications and deaths as a result of pregnancy than women aged above twenty, while their babies face higher risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery and severe neonatal conditions(2). Moreover, sexually transmitted diseases are becoming a growing concern among adolescents and youth across the world. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), out of the 18 million of STI infected people in USA in the year 2018, adolescents and youth accounted for nearly 50%(3).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSituation in Sri Lanka\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly one fourth of the Sri Lankan population consists of adolescents and youth. This is an important group of the country\u0026rsquo;s population, who will decide the financial and political stability of the country in future. Hence, investing on the health and well-being of adolescents and youth is crucial for ensuring a better tomorrow. Available evidence shows that Sexual and Reproductive Health issues are a major problem among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka(4). According to World Bank reports adolescent fertility rate did not show a drastic change over the past decade where births per thousand adolescents aged 15-19 years was 19.5 in the year 2010, while it was 20.5 in 2020(5). Data from National STD/AIDs control program indicates that the number of youths infected with sexually transmitted disease has been on a rise during the past few decades. Furthermore, in Sri Lanka nearly 12,000 sexual abuse cases were reported during the year 2015. Still, the evidence show that the number is under-reported(6).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNational youth health survey assessed certain components of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices among youth as a whole, and as school going and non-school going categories in 2012. The survey demonstrated that nearly 50% of the Sri Lankan youth are unaware of common SRH issues. It was also found that 14.7% of the Sri Lankan youth are sexually active, while majority out of them were out of school. Further, among sexually active youth, only 30.4% reported of using condoms during the preceding year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years reproductive health interventions were carried out targeting school children in Sri Lanka. This included incorporation of the sexual and reproductive health module in to the school curriculum. Despite of these interventions, the National Youth Health Survey 2012/13 showed that only 59% of the youth received SRH education in schools. In a survey carried out in plantation sector, youth considered teachers as the most unreliable source of SRH information(7). \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, delivering SRH education in schools neglect the out of school youth or the most vulnerable population who are at risk of developing sexual and reproductive health issues. Since, youth training institutes give shelter to both schooling and non-schooling young population in the country, it was identified as a better platform to deliver SRH knowledge to the young generation in Sri Lanka. Hence, in the year 2018, with the opinion of the experts in relevant fields it was decided to incorporate sexual and reproductive health module into the youth training curriculum in youth training institutes steered under the Ministry of youth affairs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, no study has been conducted to assess the present knowledge and practices on SRH among youth trainees attached to youth ministry training centers after the incorporation of SRH module into the curriculum. This research was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices on sexual and reproductive health matters among youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka. Findings of the present study will help to identify the gaps in the current training curriculum and provide guidance to do necessary revisions to existing SRH module in the training curriculums.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eA descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 425 youth trainees aged 15-29 years attached to training centers of Youth Corps and National Youth Service Council which are functioning under Ministry of Youth Affairs\u0026nbsp;in Sri Lanka, to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices on sexual and reproductive health. Trainees who are undergoing training for over three months period were included in the study. The sample of youth trainees were selected from six youth training centers using simple random sampling technique.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA self-administered questionnaire that was developed with extensive literature review and expert opinion was used for data gathering. The developed questionnaire was pretested among a sample of thirty youth in the same age group selected from a different youth training center. The questionnaire included questions to assess trainee\u0026rsquo;s knowledge on male and female reproductive tract and function, family planning, pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases. The questionnaire also assessed trainee\u0026rsquo;s sexual and reproductive health practices. Following the development of the questionnaire, it was tested for the face, content and consensual validity by a panel of experts using modified Delphi technique. The Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha value \u0026gt;0.7 indicated fair alignment of the questions with each other. Correlation co-efficient for test-retest reliability was\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData collection was done by trained youth who were awaiting university entrance. Data collectors visited each training center to collect data from youth trainees.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data were coded and entered into a database which had been created using standard statistical package SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Comparison of categorical variables was conducted using Chi-Square test when an expected value in one of the cells (2 by 2 analyses) was more than five and with Fisher\u0026rsquo;s exact test when the sample size was small and when an expected value in one of the cells (2 by 2 analyses) was less than five. Significant level was taken as p\u0026lt;0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, while administrative clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the authorities at youth training centers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatient-public involvement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the designing stage of the research focus group discussions were carried out with a sample of youth and their mothers in the community to explore sexual and reproductive health needs of the youth in Sri Lanka. One of the major concerns of both young persons and their mothers was the lack of SRH knowledge among youth which need to be improved. This directed us to explore the present knowledge on SRH among the both schooling and out of school youth and to identify the need to modify the content in SRH module. Since, youth training centers give shelter to both schooling and non-schooling youth.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings of the study will be disseminated to officials in the youth ministry in order to proceed with the curriculum modifications. Advocacy programs will be carried out targeting the youth ministry officials as well as to the education ministry to prove the requirement of comprehensive sexuality education to children.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eFour hundred and twenty-five youth trainees participated for the assessment. Response rate was 98%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.1 Socio-Demographic Variables\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver 85% of the group were Sinhalese (n=365; 85.9%) with 51.8% (n=220) of the group consisting of males and 48.2% (n=205) being females. Age of the group ranged from 17-29 years with a mean age of 18.6 years with a standard deviation of 1.8 years.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver 80% (n=351; 82.6%) were Buddhists 5.2% (n=22) were Christians. Only 4.7% (n=20) were Hindus and 7.5% (n=32) were Islamic Ninety six percent (n=406) were educated at school up to grade 11 or above while all had education level of grade 6 and above. Of the group only 4% (n=17) were part time employed. Among sample, only 5 (1.2%) were married. \u0026nbsp;For 81.1% (n=344) mode of transport to training center was train. Out of the sample eighty (18.9%) were staying at a place apart from their own house.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNinety one percent (n=386) of the youth in the sample were having siblings. Nearly half of the group (n=226, 55.7%) expressed that their family income per month was Rs.20000.00 or below. Over 90% (92%, n=391) were following a 6-month course. Only 7.3% (n=31) were following longer courses than 6 months (Table 1).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1-Distribution of Youth Trainees by Socio-Demographic Characteristics\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNationality (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSinhala\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTamil\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e365\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge in Years (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSD=1.821\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e205\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e220\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuddhist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChristion\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHindu\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIslam\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e351\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighest Education Level (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrade 6-10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrade 11 and above\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e406\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; 3.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarital Status\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(n=414)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNever married\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried or living together\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e409\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of living\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(n=406)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOwn home\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnother place\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily income (n=406)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRs.20000 and below \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; Rs.20,000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e226\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e55.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHaving siblings\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(n-425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e386\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"50.505050505050505%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuration of training (n=422)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6 month and below\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;6months\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"25.252525252525253%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e391\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"24.242424242424242%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge on Sexual \u0026amp; Reproductive Health\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA greater percentage (83.4%, n=351) of the trainees knew that a new life begins by the fusion of a sperm and an ovum. Only 309 (73.7%) knew that the sperms are produced by the testicles, while 48.2% (n=203) incorrectly believed that ova are produced by the uterus. Only 41.3% (n=174) knew that testosterone is a male hormone responsible for male pubertal changes. Only 49% (n=211) knew that nocturnal emission or wet dreams are normal for a boy during this age. Eight percent (n=34) thought that nocturnal emission can make their body weak. Only 52% (n=221) knew that size of the penis in boys can vary from person to person. Nearly 48% (n=204) believed that size of the sexual organs can affect their reproductive capability (Table 2).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2- Youth Trainee\u0026rsquo;s Knowledge on Sexual Changes during Puberty and the Physiology of the Reproductive Tract\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe start of a new life begins with the fusion of sperm with an ovum (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e351\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSperm are produce in testis (N=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e309\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOva are produced by uterus (n=421)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e203\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTestosterone is a male hormone responsible for male pubertal changes (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e174\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e224\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is normal for adolescent males to have nocturnal emissions (n=421)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e211\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e179\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize of penis and testicles can vary from one person to other(n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e221\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e192\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"71.15384615384616%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize of the reproductive organ can affect a person\u0026rsquo;s reproductive capability (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.461538461538462%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e204\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.384615384615385%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.3 Trainee\u0026rsquo;s knowledge on family planning method\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly 35.5% (n=151) of the youth claimed that they have ever heard of family planning. The percentage of youth who had ever heard of condoms was 47.5% (n=202). Only 13.2% (n=56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. Nineteen out of thirty-three youth (57.6%) who engaged in sexual intercourse used a condom during the sexual activity (Table 3).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3- Distribution of Youth Trainee by Knowledge on Family planning\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeard about Depo-Provera injections (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e408\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeard about intrauterine device (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e393\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeard about hormonal implant (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e408\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeard about emergency contraceptive pills (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e365\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.65656565656566%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondom can prevent getting sexually transmitted diseases (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e370\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.171717171717173%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.4 Trainee\u0026rsquo;s knowledge on pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted disease\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of the group only 23.3% (n=98) knew that induced abortion may lead to death while 53.9% (n=227) knew that teenage pregnancy can give rise to complications in both mother and baby.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA majority 75.5% (n=318) expressed that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 47% (n=198) knew that healthy looking person may still be infected with HIV.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly seventy five percent (n=318) of the youth knew that HIV/AIDs can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 114 (26.8%) correctly identified abstinence and limiting to one faithful sexual partner as a better way to prevent getting sexually transmitted infections (STI), while 12.9% (n=55) knew that by using condoms one can avoid contracting sexually transmitting disease.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix percent (n=26) of the youth incorrectly expressed that avoiding common toilets as a method for prevent getting STI. Another nineteen percent (n=81) incorrectly said they can avoid getting STIs by not sharing face towels (Table 4).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4- Distribution of Youth Trainee by Knowledge on Pregnancy, Abortion and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInduce abortion may even lead to death (n=421) \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not Know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e317\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTeenage pregnancy leads to complication to baby and mother (n=421) \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e227\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e178\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHIV/AIDS can be transmitted by sexual intercourse (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e318\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeople can protect themselves from HIV/AID by using condom corrected with every sexual intercourse (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFalse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo not know\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e148\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e209\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA person can prevent getting STI by abstaining from sex (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e311\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA person can prevent from getting infected with STI by using a condom when have sex (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e113\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e312\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA person can prevent from getting infected with STI by not using common toilet (n=425)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e399\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e93.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"65.38461538461539%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA person can prevent from getting SIT by not sharing face towel (n=425)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e344\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.5\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePractices related to sexual and reproductive health\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of the sample 22.8% (n=97) youth knew a friend who has experienced sexual intercourse. Among them 56.6% (n=77) had sexual intercourse with their partner, while 11.8% (n=16) were with a commercial sex worker. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly 8% (n=33) of the youth claimed that they have engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Out of those who have had sexual intercourse, nearly 74.2% (n=23) had had their first sexual contact at the age of 14-18 years. Many of them (59.3%%, n=48) said that they had sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nearly 6.2% (n=5) had their first sexual encounter with a relative, while for 2.5% (n=2) it was with a commercial sex worker. However, 29% (n=24) said they had sex with some other person (Table 3).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf the ones who had engaged in sexual intercourse, only 57.6% (n=19) had used condoms when having sex (Table 5). Moreover, 24.2% (n=8) claimed that they have ever used a contraceptive other than condoms during sexual contact.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5- Sexual and Reproductive Health Practices among Youth Trainees\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"66.34615384615384%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.346153846153847%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"66.34615384615384%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHave you ever had sexual intercourse? (n=425)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.346153846153847%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e392\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"66.34615384615384%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf yes, with who did you have sex? (n=33)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGirl or boy friend\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther friend\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRelative\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCommercial sexual worker\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.346153846153847%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.56.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"66.34615384615384%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you use condoms during the sexual activity? (n=33)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHave you ever used any contraceptive other than condoms, during sexual intercourse (n=33) \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.346153846153847%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.307692307692307%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociations of Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale gender (p\u0026lt;0.001), being a Buddhist (P=0.027), age above 20 years (P=0.002), having a education level above grade 11 (p=0.022) were positively associated with SRH knowledge.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, none of the demographic factors were having significant relationship with early sexual debut among adolescents in our sample (Table 6).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" width=\"35.63402889245586%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge score \u0026gt;50\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" width=\"30.818619582664528%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge score \u0026lt;50\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignificance(p)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (N)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber (N)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e159\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-20 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e225\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbove 20 years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReligion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuddhist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e256\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.027\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNon-Buddhist\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation level (n=421)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrade 6-10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e80.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAbove 11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e300\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.49598715890851%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"15.890850722311397%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"19.74317817014446%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"13.643659711075442%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"17.174959871589085%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" width=\"16.051364365971107%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eResults indicated that youth trainee\u0026rsquo;s knowledge on pubertal changes, conception and family planning was not satisfactory. Many youths didn\u0026rsquo;t know about the complications of a teenage pregnancy (46%, n=198) or about the consequences of an induced abortion (76.7%, n=327). Moreover, it was seen that male gender, age above 20 years, Buddhist religion and having an educational level above O/L s were positive determinants of SRH knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar to above findings National Youth Health survey 2012/13 has indicated that knowledge about SRH among young persons is not up to the expected level(7). It is found that the main reason for poor knowledge on SRH is related to lack of school-based SRH education(8). However, in contrast to the present study findings, National youth health survey indicated that nearly one third of the Sri Lankan youth engaged in some form of sexual activity during the preceding year. However, similar to the present study findings Many youth(84%) who engaged in sex reported to have sex with their partner(7).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present study findings were similar to a study carried out in Sikkim, India indicated that adolescent girls\u0026rsquo; knowledge about STDs other than HIV, safe sex, and condom used remained at low level. The same study revealed that older adolescents knew more about SRH matters compared to young(9).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA study conducted in two states in India found that 9% of the boys and 4% of the girls in adolescent age, engaged in early sexual debut. The same study also found that the prevalence of early sexual debut was more among boys than girls and among school drop outs compared to schooling adolescents(10).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar to the studies done in Sri Lanka, studies that have been carried out among the adolescents across Sub-Saharan Africa indicate many adolescents lack knowledge on menstruation, STIs other than HIV(11). Furthermore studies from South Africa also indicate that adolescents\u0026rsquo; knowledge on SRH is no better compared to our region where many were not aware of pregnancy and other SRH related issues(12).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrengths and Limitations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConducting the study on youth attached to youth training institutes enabled to retrieve information related to SRH knowledge and practices among both schooling and non-schooling youth which was a major strength of this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarrying out the study in the institutional setting was one main limitation in this study since it may have contributed to misinformation. There is possibility that youth did not come up with true information due to fear and embarrassment. Moreover, the use of self-administered questionnaire to collect data from youth may have introduced information bias as a result of societal stigma around the study topic.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic health implications of the study findings\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings of the study indicate the need to identify the best ways to deliver sexual and reproductive health information to youth. Just incorporating sexual and reproductive health module into the curriculum would not be sufficient to deliver the message to the audience, unless the correct techniques have been identified and adapted.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion And Recommendations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results of this study indicated that youth trainees attached to the training centers in Sri Lanka are not having satisfactory knowledge on SRH, while their SRH practices were sub-standard. The results indicate the need to upgrade the SRH module that has been included into the youth training center curriculum, giving special attention to contraception and STI prevention. Further, it is required to develop effective IEC material and ensure continuous training of the teacher instructors to deliver the module to youth in an effective way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFuture research\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch has to be carried out to explore the deficiencies in the content and delivery of the SRH module in youth training centers. Further, future research should aim at finding the most effective ways to deliver SRH information to youth in youth training centers and universities in Sri Lanka.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMorris JL, Rushwan H. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: The global challenges. Int J Gynecol Obstet [Internet].\u003c/em\u003e 2015;\u003cem\u003e131:S40\u0026ndash;2. Available from\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ei\u0026gt;http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.02\u0026lt;/i\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://i%3Ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.02%3C/i\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003cem\u003e006\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHO. \u003cem\u003eAdolescent Pregnancy fact sheet.\u003c/em\u003e. 2021. \u003cem\u003eAvailable from\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ei\u0026gt;https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy\u0026lt;/i\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://i%3Ehttps://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy%3C/i\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCDC. \u003cem\u003eFact Sheet: Information for Teens and Young Adults: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs.\u003c/em\u003e. 2021. \u003cem\u003eAvailable from\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ei\u0026gt;https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm\u0026lt;/i\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://i%3Ehttps://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm%3C/i\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgampodi SB, Agampodi TC. Adolescents Percept reproductive health care Serv Sri. 2008;8:1\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKaveke LV. \u003cem\u003eAdolescent fertility rate in Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2019\u003c/em\u003e. 2022.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerera B. Prevalence and correlates of sexual abuse reported by late adolescent. school Child Sri Lanka. 2009;21(2):203\u0026ndash;11.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThalagala NI, Lokubalasooroya A, Danansuriya M, Godakandage S. \u003cem\u003eNational youth survey-2012-13: Health profile and risk behaviors of the Sinhalese, Buddhist unmarried youth stratum\u003c/em\u003e. J Coll Community Physicians Sri Lanka. 2014 Jun \u003cem\u003e1;19\u003c/em\u003e:2\u0026ndash;10.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUNFPA. \u003cem\u003ePopulation matters. 2017.\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMukhopadhyay S, Mishra SK. \u003cem\u003eKnowledge and Practices About Sexual Health and Its Socioeconomic Correlates Among Adolescent Girls in Sikkim, India. Orient Anthropol A Bi-annual Int J Sci Man. 2021 Jun;21(1):49\u0026ndash;66.\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuhammad T, Srivastava Id S, Kumar Id P, Kishor S. \u003cem\u003eWhat predicts the early sexual debut among unmarried adolescents (10\u0026ndash;19 years)? evidence from UDAYA survey, 2015\u0026ndash;16. 2021; Available from\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ei\u0026gt;https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252940\u0026lt;/i\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://i%3Ehttps://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252940%3C/i\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinlay JE, Assefa N, Mwanyika-Sando M, Dessie Y, Harling G, Njau T, et al. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in eight sites across sub-Saharan Africa. 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGovender D, Naidoo S, Taylor M. \u003cem\u003eKnowledge, attitudes and peer influences related to pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health among adolescents using maternal health services in Ugu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health. 2019 Jul 11;19(1).\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"contraception-and-reproductive-medicine","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"carm","sideBox":"Learn more about [Contraception and Reproductive Medicine](http://contraceptionmedicine.biomedcentral.com)","snPcode":"40834","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/40834/3","title":"Contraception and Reproductive Medicine","twitterHandle":"@BioMedCentral","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Adolescents, Sexual and reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, Sexually transmitted disease, family planning","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-2067354/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2067354/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground: \u003c/strong\u003eSexual and reproductive health is a major concern among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices of the youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodology: \u003c/strong\u003eA descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 425 youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Comparison of categorical variables was conducted using Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test as applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eStudy group consisted of 51.8% (n=220) males and 48.2% (n=205) females with mean age of 18.6 years (SD= 1.8). Only 49% (n=211) knew that nocturnal emission is normal in young men, while 8% (n=34) thought that nocturnal emission would weaken their body. Only 47.5% (n=202) had ever heard of condoms, and 13.2% (n=56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. While 23.3% (n=98) identified abortion could cause maternal death, 53.9% (n=227) knew that teenage pregnancy lead to complications in both mother and baby. A majority, 75.5% (n=318) expressed that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse. Only 114 (26.8%) correctly identified abstinence and limiting to one faithful sexual partner as\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003esuccessful ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI). Nearly 8% (n=33) said that they engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Of them, nearly 75% (n=23) had their first sexual contact at the age of 14-18 years and only 58% (n=19) had used condoms. Male gender (p\u0026lt;0.001), being a Buddhist (P=0.027), age above 20 years (P=0.002), having a education level above grade 11 (p=0.022) were positively associated with SRH knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions and recommendations: \u003c/strong\u003eKnowledge and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees were sub-standard.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003eStudy recommends strengthening sexual and reproductive health education at youth training centers.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Knowledge, and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka; Adolescent health for a better tomorrow","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2022-09-22 18:27:19","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-2067354/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Major revision","date":"2022-10-20T11:40:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2022-10-20T07:55:20+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2022-10-16T21:49:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"d6105be9-adc5-42ef-a0d4-2a38c84f0adf_SNPRID","date":"2022-10-05T03:48:01+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"bf0d62e4-521d-4826-937b-8fa021d37537","date":"2022-09-28T02:28:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"4228c5f8-a5ed-4454-bb5f-538a31a0c357","date":"2022-09-27T16:16:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2022-09-24T15:19:27+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2022-09-18T22:07:43+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2022-09-18T22:07:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Contraception and Reproductive Medicine","date":"2022-09-15T06:29:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"contraception-and-reproductive-medicine","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"carm","sideBox":"Learn more about [Contraception and Reproductive Medicine](http://contraceptionmedicine.biomedcentral.com)","snPcode":"40834","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/40834/3","title":"Contraception and Reproductive Medicine","twitterHandle":"@BioMedCentral","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"efb4409f-040e-4f04-b3fc-a12da46d3c67","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 22nd, 2022","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2023-10-16T19:12:12+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-2067354","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-023-00216-0","journal":{"identity":"contraception-and-reproductive-medicine","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Contraception and Reproductive Medicine"},"publishedOn":"2023-03-02 19:04:17","publishedOnDateReadable":"March 2nd, 2023"},"versionCreatedAt":"2022-09-22 18:27:19","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s40834-023-00216-0","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-023-00216-0","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-2067354","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-2067354","identity":"rs-2067354","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"_2-kVJe1T_tPrBINL-cwx","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}