* Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa.
** Alluri Seetha Rama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Kadapa
*** G.S. Seth Medical College, Mumbai.
*Corresponding Address: Dr. Devidas Tondare, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa-516002. A.P. Mobile No: +91 9299004376 ntondare@gmail.com
Online published on 1 October, 2011.
Background
All humans are sexual beings from the day of birth to the day of death. Sexuality is an integral part of life and individual's personality. In general terms, adolescence is considered as a phase of transition from childhood to puberty without assuming the roles, privileges and responsibilities of adulthood. Needless to say, sexuality is important for everyone. Yet in India, as in many parts of the world, talking about sexuality is a taboo and it is covered in secrecy. In India at present where adolescent sexuality is denied, reproductive health is ignored and queries go unanswered.
Objectives
1. To assess the knowledge of adolescent boys regarding physical, emotional and psychological changes occurring during puberty.
2. To assess their attitude regarding nocturnal ejaculation and masturbation.
Methodology
This present Community based cross sectional study was conducted in Bhabharekar Nagar, Mumbai. This was resettlement area for those who were migrated from Kandivali (Charkop). Bhabharekar Nagar was having total 728 houses and 8 gallies during the period from May 2005 to April 2006. A total of 272 eligible adolescents were present, of which 256 adolescents were actively participated and interviewed with pre structured questionnaire at Community Meeting Centre in the same area.
Results
Among study participants, 58.98% (151/256) said that they had knowledge regarding puberty. Over all 41.02% (105/256) participants said that they did not know about puberty. Among participants, the mean age of first nocturnal ejaculation was 15.04 years with minimum 14 years and maximum 17 years. About 37.5% (96/256) participants said that nocturnal ejaculation is a normal phenomenon, 32.81% (84/256) participants said that nocturnal ejaculation is harmful to body. About 81.64% (209/256) participants said that they knew about masturbation and Minimum age for first experience of masturbation was 14 years and maximum age of masturbation was 17 years and means age was 15.64 years.
Study variables
Age, literacy, physical changes, emotional changes, nocturnal ejaculation, Masturbation practice.
