Understanding sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of late adolescents in Northern Thailand: a phenomenological study

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, in which individuals face profound physiological and psychological changes and challenges [1]. The period of adolescence can be frustrating; cognitive, physical and social development can be painful, traumatic, embarrassing, and unsatisfactory [2]. Although it can be a turbulent time, it is also a time of great potential, when young people develop more varied and complex relationships [3]. The major developmental changes that occur in adolescence have been well documented and have been grouped by a team from The US Office of Population Affairs and the Johns Hopkins University, into five overlapping and intersecting areas: physical (hormonal changes and development); cognitive (changes in the way the brain functions); emotional (how adolescents process emotions and stress); social (changes in familial, social, and romantic relationships) and morals and values (how adolescents regard their place in the world [4]. The onset of adolescent development brings new vulnerabilities, sometimes including human rights abuses, particularly in the areas of sexuality, marriage, and childbearing as many young people engage in new romantic and sexual relations and exposure to unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections [3]. Adolescents therefore face a range of health and social challenges as they mediate the biological and social transition into adulthood.

The experiences of late adolescents vary greatly by gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other factors

The experiences of late adolescents (aged 18–19 years) vary greatly by gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other factors that shape how they respond to their physical and emotional development and assumption of the roles of adulthood. People commonly develop a deeper sense of identity during late adolescence, such as a personal sense of gender and sexuality, establishing values about sexual behaviour, and developing romantic relationships [5]. Embarking on sexually active relationships means the entrance to the world of ‘adulthood’ and potential parenthood. Lacking adequate knowledge and skills about developing safe sexual relationships can make adolescents vulnerable to a high risk of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS [6].

Good sexual health includes physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing

Good sexual health not only includes the attainment of physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing about sexuality, but it also focuses on the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity [7]. A positive and respectful approach to sexual relationships as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence are key to sexual health and wellbeing [8]. Additionally, sexual rights which embrace certain human rights at the international and regional level, as well as national laws, must be respected, protected, and fulfilled, for all people, for the highest attainable standard of health [9, 10]. These are necessary conditions for attaining sexual health. Rights critical to the realization of sexual health include the right to be free from discrimination; the right to privacy; the right not to be subjected to torture or ill-treatment; the right to determine the number and spacing of one’s children, and the right to be free from sexual violence [10, 11]. The World Health Organization (WHO) works to promote and protect everybody, including adolescents, to achieve their full potential for sex and reproductive health and wellbeing and to meet the needs of diverse populations, particularly the most vulnerable [SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article:

Source: springermedizin.de

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