Research on the sexual culture of the students from 8th and 9th grade of the Emilian Stanev high school in Veliko Tarnovo

Abstract

Introduction: Students’ sexual culture is an important factor for the good physical and mental health, development of the individual, reproduction, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, birth of extramarital children and early school dropout.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to study the level of sexual culture of the students from 8th and 9th grade from the Emilian Stanev high school in Veliko Tarnovo; to establish their knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and their awareness of methods and means of prevention.
Materials and Methods: For the purpose of this study, in March 2017, 123 students (69 girls and 54 boys) from 8th and 9th grade of the Emilian Stanev secondary school in Veliko Tarnovo were surveyed. Documentary method, sociological survey and graphical analysis were used.
Results: We have established deficiency in knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases; low age limit of first sexual contacts - 22% of students aged 14 to 15 have already had sexual contact, 78% gave a negative answer.
If there is a problem of a sexual nature, 53% will seek a solution via the Internet, 21% will trust a friend, 16% of the respondents point to a parent and only 10% will seek medical help.
Conclusion: The low starting age of the students’ sexual contacts and the lack of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases require an increase in their awareness and sexual culture.

The family, the school environment, medical specialists, educators, psychologists, institutions and the whole community must play a decisive role in shaping, building and enhancing the sexual culture of students.