RESUMO
This study described rural adolescents' attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and values with regard to sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Rotter's Social Learning Theory (1954) provided the theoretical framework for this descriptive, correlational design. The convenience sample consisted of 170 students from one rural high school. Consistent with past studies, results included the following: participants had more correct than incorrect knowledge related to sexual intercourse and STDs; the majority had positive attitudes toward condom use and believed it was OK for peers to have sex with a "steady;" the value of an exciting life correlated positively with attitudes toward sex; knowledge of sexual intercourse correlated positively with attitudes toward condom use; and the value health correlated positively with knowledge of sex and attitudes toward condom use, and negatively with attitudes toward sex. The findings in this study suggest the need for ongoing research with adolescents in the area of sexuality and STDs. Additionally, the findings support past studies, which revealed that knowledge of sexual intercourse and STDs has little impact on attitudes toward sexual intercourse. With the serious nature of some of the undesired consequences of adolescent sexual behavior, current and accurate information on this population is needed to assist health educators in developing interventions in this area.
PIP: This study examines adolescent attitudes, knowledge, and values on sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using the Rotter's Social Learning Theory, 170 students were interviewed from one rural high school. Three hypotheses were analyzed in this study: 1) a higher value of an exciting life has a higher attitude toward sexual intercourse scores; 2) a higher knowledge score on sexual intercourse will have a lower attitude toward sexual intercourse scores; and 3) a higher knowledge score about AIDS/STDs will have a higher attitude toward condom use scores. Results revealed that 1) participants have higher accurate knowledge on sexual intercourse and STDs; 2) that a positive attitudes toward condom use and sexual intercourse with the girl/boyfriend is normal; and 3) that health values have a positive correlation between an exciting life and the knowledge and attitude about sex and condom use, and a negative correlation toward sex. Findings of minimal impact in knowledge of sexual intercourse and STDs on sexual behavior attitudes among adolescents are consistent with past studies.