A study of exposure to sexual contents in print and audio-visual media and trends of sexual behaviour of late adolescent boys

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between exposures to sexual contents in print and audiovisual media and attitude and sexual behavior of late adolescent boys. Methods: This study was undertaken in the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care centre in the year 2017. All respondents who gave informed consent were assessed using a preformed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of six sections. Results: The study consisted of 500 late teen boys aged between 17-19 years, 350 from government and 150 from public schools. Mean age of onset of puberty was 12.47 in both groups. Majority of respondents were exposed to media (94.8%). High percentage of respondents from public schools (74.67%) watches pornography. Only 17% of respondents were educated about pubertal changes. Presence of depression was witnessed in 16.6% of respondents. Conclusion: Development of normal sexual behavior during the late adolescent phase of life has lifelong impact on the life of the adolescent and later on his family. Media use is rampant in all strata of society. Pediatricians, parents and teachers can help the adolescents realize the importance of media and incorporate basic principles of media literacy into their sex education program.