Awareness of rural adolescents on sexually transmitted diseases

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the sexual and reproductive health problems faced by adolescents. A large number of adolescent girls are facing the risk of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and unsafe abortions. Most of the sexually active adolescents are frequently unprepared to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy or infections. Further, adolescents are lacking access to adequate information and comprehensive reproductive health services. The reproductive health problems such as early pregnancy, increased premarital sexual activity and limited knowledge regarding reproductive health all result in increased risk of RTI and STD infection including HIV/AIDS, maternal morbidity and mortality. Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) was generally poor among adolescents. Specific knowledge of AIDS and its mode of transmission were very limited and misconceptions were widespread.