Youth and reproductive health knowledge

Today there are more than one billion between 10–19 year olds, 70% of whom live in developing nations and constituted 22% of India's total population (Census, 2011). Also, 30% of India's population is in the age group of 10–24 years (WHO, 2007). While, due to lack of life skills to assimilate multiple stimuli from media and peers, adolescents are encourage to experiment with risky behaviours experience adolescent child bearing and engage in smoking, substance abuse, consumption of alcohol and unprotected sex. The youth are vulnerable to STs/STDs, including HIV and accounted for 31% of AIDS burden in the country (NACO, 2007).

The study conducted in 2012 aim to access the awareness level based on knowledge, perceptions and practices on reproductive health among the adolescent in Mizoram. It comprises of 3096 students in the age group of 14 years-19 years form both government and private schools of Aizawl district and Champhai district. The study has mixed design approach and it was descriptive in nature adopting multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected through survey method and qualitative explorations were made. The school-based study appear to be a logical choice for sexual and reproduction particularly with the international recognition of the importance of schooling.

The finding of the study has shown the presence of misconceptions about issues related to sex and sexuality, inducing unnecessary anxiety among the adolescents. The extent of reproductive health awareness among the youths in Mizoram is revealed and that has invited anxiety; confusion and leading to greater health complaints and even pre-mature death. These challenges is affecting the attitude and behaviour of the adolescents and finally pertaining to sexuality and gender.