Factors perceived to affect intention of sexual behaviours among junior high school students in Muang District, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to explore factors perceived to affect the intention of premarital sexual behaviours among junior high school students in Muang District, Thailand. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select three schools out of ten public junior high schools. A situation analysis was conducted following a focus group discussion and in-depth interview. The informants included six junior high school students, five parents, three teachers, two health professionals and two school administrators. A thematic analysis was employed for the data analysis. Results illustrated negative attitude, social media, the internet use, socio-environmental space, peer pressure, social belief, low self-efficacy, generation gap and sexual education were the factors perceived to affect the intention of sexual behaviours. An integrated implementation of a comprehensive sexual education was the way forward to increasing self-efficacy.