1

OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

College of Nursing Regalado Avenue Fairview, Quezon City S.Y:2010-2011

LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MARITAL SEX AMONG 14-19 YEARS OLD OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY

A Research Proposal to The Faculty of College of Nursing Our Lady of Fatima University

In Partial Fulfilment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Submitted by: Diwata, Jeremiah Beatriz A. Ruiz, Ma. Frances Jamile I. Gesta, Katherine D. Baldo, Marry Joy P. Cabezas, Perfecto V. Mirana, Elaine E. Nazareno, Mark Anthony C.

Ortiz Luis, Vic D. Researchers (BSN 4W1-8)

Submitted to: Mr. Daniel Mon P. Mamanao, R.N., M.A.N. Professor, NRES

APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that the study entitled "LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MARITAL SEX AMONG 14-19 YEARS OLD OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY", prepared by BSN 4W1-8, Jeremiah Beatriz A. Diwata, Ma. Frances Jamile I. Ruiz, Katherine D. Gesta, Marry Joy P. Baldo, Perfecto V. Cabezas, Elaine E. Mirana, Mark Anthony C. Nazareno, and Vic D. Ortiz Luis has been examined and recommended for ORAL EXAMINATIONS. _______________________________
DANIEL MON P. MAMANAO, R.N., M.A.N Adviser

_____________________________
MARILYN M. OBOD, MaEd Research Coordinator

This is to certify that the study entitled "LEVEL OF AWARENESS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MARITAL SEX AMONG 14-19 YEARS OLD OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY", prepared by Jeremiah Beatriz A. Diwata, Ma. Frances Jamile I. Ruiz, Katherine D. Gesta, Marry Joy P. Baldo, Perfecto V. Cabezas, Elaine E. Mirana, Mark Anthony C. Nazareno, and Vic D. Ortiz Luis, has passed the Oral defense _______________________________
Panelist

_____________________________
Panelist

_____________________________
Chairperson

Accepted and approved as partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing ____________________________
RAMONITA A. SALAZAR, Ed. D Administrator, OLFU Quezon City

________________________________
NELIA R. CAPULONG, RN, RM, MAN Dean, OLFU College of Nursing

TABLE OF CONTENTS Approval Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statement of the problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypothesis of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Significance of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scope and Limitations of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES Foreign literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theoretical/ Conceptual framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Research paradigm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Research Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i ii iii iv

4 4 7 7 9 10 11 15 21 25 28 30 31 32

Research Subjects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Research Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Validation of Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Data Gathering Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Statistical treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction Sexual feelings begin long before puberty. As noted by Ellis et al., (1996), very young children and even babies, two and three months old, have sexual experiences (both through self-stimulation and through handling, caring, and fondling by parents). Premarital sex is a serious moral issue confronting teenagers. This isnt to say that sexual temptations only existed in youth. But these days, being youth, they are more cut off from familial restrictions and parish supports, confronted with peer pressure that alleges everyone is doing it, and perhaps exposed to an irreligious environment. Whether to engage in premarital sex is a question of critical importance. For better or worse, the effects of this decision (often made when powerful emotions are at

work) last a lifetime. Premarital sexual relationship is an important subject especially today. Young people are bombarded with the worlds standards of morality, or immorality. The values and moral standards, which were endorsed by most Filipinos in years past, are now ridiculed and/or ignored by many. Teaching on sexual purity before and after marriage is no longer held before young people as a law of God, not even an ideal goal to strive for. So-called sexual freedom is flaunted as the norm among teenagers and adults, and is often ridiculed by who expect and encourage young people to remain virgins until marriage. According to the Bible: Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body; but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body (I Corinthians 6:18). Practicing premarital sex is more often attributed to men. It is for the reason that males are more aggressive than females. However, as mentioned earlier, things have changed. If things were taken back to the first place, it is necessary to know why people have sex at all. The answer is as simple as reproduction. However, later in time sex was viewed in another way. It is said that premarital sex is only just for pleasure. Moreover, sex is said to be fun. Obviously, sex before marriage is indeed used for pleasure. This perception has contributed to hasty boost in the incidence of premarital sex in the Philippines.

Most probably, this pleasure is the reason for the peoples positive regards to premarital sex. As a matter of fact, women are now competing with men in terms of sexual experience. This is brought about by womens newly developed permissive attitude towards sex (Villaverde, 2001). Premarital sex is alarming in the country. It has grown in such a fast rate and it is surprising that people involved in it are very young and possess little knowledge of the risks they may face. There are various reasons of why people engage in premarital sex. Such reasons may be as shallow as pleasure. One of these reasons is media which is a great factor which leads to high frequency of the said act. Different people have varied views toward sex and other people should be careful in their reactions. Therefore, one can only criticize the phenomena of high prevalence of premarital sex but he/she can never judge a person because of his different perceptions about things. Statement of the Problem The study aims to evaluate the level of awareness about the consequences of pre-marital sex among 14-19 years old out-of-school youth in Novaliches, Quezon City. Specifically this study seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondent in terms

of the following variables? a.) b.) c.) d.) age gender religion family background

2. What is the level of awareness of the respondents about their sexuality? 3. What is the level of awareness of the respondents about the consequences of premarital sex with regards to their age, gender, religion, and family? 4. Is there a significant relationship in the level of awareness of the respondents about the consequences of premarital sex when they are grouped according to their profile (age, gender, religion and family)? Hypotheses H (0): There is no significant difference in the level of awareness of the respondent about the consequences of premarital sex when they are grouped according to their profile (age, gender, religion, and family) H (1): There is a significant difference in the level of awareness of the

respondent about the consequences of premarital sex when they are grouped according to their profile (age, gender, religion, and family) Significance of the Study This study is conducted to find out the knowledge and awareness about the consequences of Pre-marital sex among out of school youth in selected areas of Quezon City. In connection to the researchers believe that this study may in some way be of greatest help to: . Teenagers at the age of 14-19 years of age This will provide and enhance the self-awareness of teenagers who are most commonly engage of having unwanted pregnancy by providing them with enough knowledge about premarital sex and its consequences. . Health Care Professionals Through this study, they will be updated on the new information about the awareness of out-of-school youth towards pre-marital sex and do appropriate intervention and health teachings with regards to enhance further the patients knowledge and perception about pre-marital sex and its consequences. . Department of Health and other local health institutions The results of the study can help the department in updating their information regarding sex education through raising the publics awareness of possible consequences brought about by pre-marital sex.

Moreover, this study may help empower the DOH to further improve their health programs and services for patients especially the teenage groups who needs counselling about sex and early pregnancy. . Our Lady of Fatima University. The results of the study can further help the school in giving references to future researchers that is related to their study.

. Future researchers. This study will help to research more for the effective health teaching strategies about pre-marital sex and its consequences among teenagers. This recent study done may serve as a reference and basis of information for similar researches to be conducted in the future. Scope and limitation of the Study The purpose of the study is to evaluate the level of awareness about the consequences of pre-marital sex among 14-19 years old outof-school youth in Novaliches, Quezon City. This research specifically focused and limited to the out-of-school youth who are belong to the age group of 14-19 years old and literate enough to answer all the questions for this study.

10

The researcher selected the respondents of the study based on the following inclusion criteria: Out-of-school youth who are sexually active or not, As for the exclusion criteria, the researcher excluded those who are teenagers who are studying, with mental disorder or in the influence of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

Definition of Terms Pre-marital sex- Premarital sex is sexual intercourse engaged in by persons who are unmarried. Pregnancy-the gestational process, comprising the growth and development within a woman of a new individual form from the conception through the embryonic and fetal periods of birth. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)- a contagious disease usually acquired by sexual intercourse or genital contact

11

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies on the level of awareness about the consequences of pre-marital sex among teenagers. It also focused on the theoretical framework to show a broad, general explanation of the relationships between concept of interest in this research study, conceptual framework which explains relationships between concepts and research paradigm to show diagrammatic presentation/illustration of conceptual framework. Foreign Literature

12

Buston et al., (2006) the U.K has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe specifically from the age group of 1416 years from the east of Scotland. Young age of self and partner, and non-use of contraception, all at first intercourse suggests that, if this pattern continues, the couple may lack the resources needed to prevent pregnancy due to immaturity of both partners.

Abma et al., (2004) Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth revealed that 6% of females reported initiation of heterosexual intercourse prior to age 14 years Adhikari & Tamang (2009) Prevalence of pre-marital sexual

intercourse and risky behaviours are not common in Nepal. Due to the sensitivity of the topic of pre-marital sexuality, youth receive

inadequate education, guidance and services on reproductive health. Moreover, Men who had liberal perception towards male virginity at marriage where almost two times more likely to have engaged in premarital sex compared to their counterparts who have conservative beliefs towards male virginity at marriage. Perception on sexual behaviour of peers and the nature of the pressure that peers exert support on pre-marital sex.

13

The study aimed to assess the perception of Nigerian female undergraduate about sexual behaviours of their peers and the type of influence their peers tend to exert on them. Okonkwo et al., (2007) Three-quarters of respondents were

between 15-24 years and almost half (47.1%) of respondents indicated that they were under pressure by friends to engage in pre-marital sex and 22.1% indicated that the pressure was moderate or severe in degree.

Busse et al., (2007), there is evidence that psychosocial factors influence the perception of adolescents about sexual activities. The study identifies a theoretical mechanism through which communication with friends about sex influences the perception of having sexual initiation. The Integrated Model was used to assess the effect of attitudes, normative pressure and self efficacy on intentions to have sex in a sample of virgin adolescents. Overall results suggest how conversations with friends about sex influence adolescents intentions to initiate sexual intercourse, which in turn influence subsequent sexual initiation. Kitagawa et al., (1985) Many studies have identified the absence of biological father from the home as a major risk factor for both early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy

14

Ellis et al., (2006) The Impact of Father absence on early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy on early pregnancy was investigated in longitudinal studies in the United States (N=242) and New Zealand (N=520) in which community sample of girls were followed from early in life (5 years) to approximately age 18. Greater exposure to father absence was associated with elevated risk for early sexual activity and adolescent pregnancy. This elevated The United States and New Zealand have the 1st and 2nd highest rate of teenage pregnancy among western industrialized countries.

Approximately, 10% of girls in the U.N and 7% in New Zealand between ages of 15-19 years become pregnant each year. Guttmacher Institute (2006). The initiation of sexual activity is a major milestone for many adolescents on the road to adulthood. Whereas only 1315% of American teens report having sexual intercourse before turning 15, the rate climbs steeply after that. Fortyfive percent report having sex before turning 17, and approximately 70% have had sex by the time they reach age 19 Kotchick et al. (2001). Early initiation of sexual intercourse (i.e., occurring during preadolescence or very early in adolescence) is associated with a variety of concurrent risk factors for both boys and girls, including school maladjustment and substance use

15

Crockett et al, (1996); Leitenberg and Saltzman (2000) In addition, girls who initiate intercourse early are at higher risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases compared with girls who delay intercourse until late adolescence

Local Literature Religiosity (measured by frequency of church attendance) was negatively related with approval rates. Those who attended Church services once a week or more frequently had a significantly lower approval rate (10.9%) than those who attended less than once a week (15.6%) or who never attended Church services (16.1%) at all. Stability of parent's marriage was significantly related with lower approval rates while non-stability (including parents separated, one parent dead) was significantly related with higher approval rates. Being raised by the father alone was associated with lower than average approval rates (11.1%), but being raised by father and other person was associated with significantly higher approval rate (21.3%). On the other hand, being raised by mother alone was associated with higher than average approval rate (14.5%), but being raised by mother

16

and other person was associated with lower than average approval rate (10.8%). Being raised by other persons was associated with above average approval rate (16.0%). Fathers are often considered

disciplinarians while mothers are often prone to "spoil" their children. Father's influence appears to promote conservatism while mother's influence engenders permissiveness among the youth. What is interesting is the fact that youth raised by a parent and another person tended to swing the youth's attitude towards pre-marital sex for women in the opposite direction. While those who were raised by other persons tended to promote liberal attitudes towards pre-marital sex among women Approval of a man having sex before marriage showed very similar relationship in the factors that were found related to its approval for a women except that the levels were about four times higher (40.6% vs. 12.8%). Being raised by father alone, mother alone or parent with another person were associated with approval of pre-marital sex among men in much the same way as they did with attitudes o n pre-marital sex among women. There was however one difference. Being raised by other persons was associated with more conservative attitudes towards pre- marital sex among men. Others persons apparently have

17

stronger moral influence/control over male youths attitudes than both father and mother but this influence was weaker than that of father alone. The importance to themselves of virginity before marriage declined with age of respondent. Almost all youths 15-17 years of age (93.7%) felt this was an important virtue, a slightly lower proportion was exhibited by those 18-20 years (91.6) and the lowest proportion by those 21-24 years of age (88.9%). More frequent (greater than or more than once a week) Church attendance was associated with higher importance of virginity before marriage (92.2%) than less frequent (lesser than once a week) attendance (90.5%) or no attendance in church services (90.95). Being an only child was significantly related with greater importance of virginity before marriage (97.9%) than being one of two or more siblings (91-93%) in the family. Age of respondents was negatively related to perceived importance of virginity among men. A significantly higher proportion among youths age was 15-17 perceived virginity is important to men (84.2%) than those aged 18-20 (80.5%) or those aged 21-24 (76.2%).

18

Being raised by both parents, father alone or father with other persons were all associated with higher proportion who perceived the importance of virginity to men (80-82%), while being by mother alone or mother with other persons was associated with lower proportion of the same perception(78-79%),. Being raised by other persons was associated with the lowest proportion who perceived the importance of virginity to men 975.6%).

Approval of pre- marital sex among women and men was positively related with age, having lived away from parents, or no attendance in church services. This supports the findings of Raymundo and Lusterio (1995) which highlighted the influence of the school and the church on per-marital sex behaviour. Apparently, male views (who were only the respondents to the questions on pre- marital sex of men was greatly influenced by exposure to the city living than their views on pre-marital sex of women. Being an only child was associated with lower approval of pre-marital sex among women and men. This may reflect more parental control exerted on the only child than on greater number of siblings.

19

Stability of parent's marriage was negatively associated with premarital sex among women and among men than those who belong to families with unstable marital relationships. Youth raised by father alone was associated with significantly proportion of pre-marital sex approval for both women and men, while youth raised by mother alone with significantly higher approval. Youth raised by both mother and father held average approval rates. However, youth raised by father and other persons showed

significantly higher approval rates while those who raised by mother and other person with significantly lower approval rates. Parental control appears highest with single parenting as reflecting by more conservative pre-marital sex views, becomes laxed when raised by father and another person, and becomes stricter when raised by mother and another person. PRE-MARITAL SEX VIEWS AND BEHAVIOR The data thus far point to the fact that the males are in general more liberal in their views in pre-marital sex than the females. Being married increases this liberal attitude but the male-female differential still persists. Does pre-marital sex experience influence this views ? Significantly higher proportions of those with pre-marital sex

20

experience approved of pre-marital sex for a woman (33.8%) than those who have not had pre-marital sex experience (8.7%). There did not seem to be any differential between males and females in approval rates among those who had pre-marital sex experience. However, for those without pre-marital sex experience, significantly more males approved than females. Apparently, those who had pre-marital sex experience tended to justify or rationalize their behavior by adopting favorable attitudes towards pre-marital sex than those who had no premarital sex experience.

Having had pre-marital sex experience was significantly associated with higher approval of pre-marital sex for men (66.3%) than those who have not had pre-marital sex (33.2%) experience. (Zablan, 2007) Foreign Studies Hunts (1972) it would seem that sexual happiness is indeed increased, at least among respondents to the survey who belong mainly to the educated upper middle class. In every group, people reported more positive feelings about sex in 1972 than twenty years before.

21

It is essential that young people have knowledge about health sexuality, presenting this knowledge is an important aspect of prevention of negative effect of sexuality. Although adequate

information is essential for a healthy sexuality, an awareness of attitudes and classification of personal values are also important. These factors are usually more important than knowledge in

determining sexual behavior and sexual problems of the individual. Pediatric Nursing Articles (2004), although the recent decline in sexuality activity among young people, in general, and adolescent pregnancy in particular is encouraging, it must be viewed with cautious optimism. The United States remains the leader in teenage pregnancy and birth rates among other developed countries (Berne &

Huberman, 1999; Singh & Darroch, 2000). Adolescent pregnancy and its related effects involve not only the young women who experience early maternity but their children, families, and ultimately society. Child Trends (2004), early pregnancy and birth rates both dropped in the 1990s among all racial and ethnic groups. Increased use of contraceptives and increased abstinence among teens could explain the decrease. However, the US still has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy among western industrialized nations, 42.9 births per 1000

22

females aged 15-19. In 2002, there were 431,988 births to females under twenty. Four out of Ten girls become pregnant by the age of 20. 80% of these teenage pregnancies are unintended, and 79% of pregnant teens are unmarried. The birth rate remains high in the lowincome, minority neighborhoods, where the birth rate still remains at 153 and 138 births per 1000 for black and Hispanic teenage girls respectively (Annie E. Casey Foundation[AECF]). 60% of all teenage mothers are in poverty at the time of birth (Moss 2000). According to the study conducted by the World Health Organization, many adolescent girls between 15-19 years old gets pregnant and gives birth each year which accumulates to 11% of all births worldwide. The study said 90% of these births occur in low and middle income countries, and the average adolescent birth rate in middle income countries is more than twice as high as that in high income countries, with the rate in low income countries being 5 times higher. Based on WHO statistics, almost 10% of girls become mothers by the age of 16 years in low and middle income countries. However, the WHO said that context of adolescent pregnancies are not always the same. Coerced sex, reported by 10% of girls who first had sex before age 15 years, also contributes to unwanted adolescent pregnancies.

23

According to Mr. Rector of Heritage Foundation said that teenage and unmarried birth rates were driven by the same factors: young women with little education who are devoted to mothering but see no great need to be married. We should be telling them that for the well-being of any child, its critically important that you be over the age of 20 and that you be married, he said. That message is not given at all. Kristin A. Moore(2006), a senior scholar at Child trends, a non profit childrens research organization, said the increase in the teenage birth rate was particularly alarming. Its really quite disappointing because we werent close to reaching our goal, Dr. Moore said. The lone bright spot in Wednesdays report, issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, was that the birth rate for girls 14 below dropped to 0.6% per 1000 from 0.7%. Birth rates rose 3% among teenagers ages 15-17 and 4% among those 18-19. Unmarried childbearing reached a record high in 2006, according to the disease control centers, with unmarried mothers now accounting for 38.5% of all births. Births among teenagers and unmarried women tend to lead to poor outcomes for their children. Helping to prevent these pregnancies was the reason advocates pushed for the wide availability of the morningafter pill known as Plan B. The food and Drug Administration approved

24

sales of Plan B without a prescription in August 2006, too late to have any effect on that years birth rate. Becky Kho(1999), Young people nowadays have realized the responsibility entailed in engaging premarital sex. Teenagers must be ready for the consequences of their action and try to be wary of temptation. Being a teenage mother was no joke- having the problems of an adolescent is hard enough without having the added problems of raising a child. Local Studies Only 12.8 percent of the youth categorically approved of a woman having sex before marriage. More than twice as many male respondents approved of the behavior (18.4%) than their female counterparts (7.5%). However, when the male youth were asked whether they approved of a man having sex before marriage, 40.6 percent responded

affirmatively with a significantly higher proportion shown by the married (60.4%) than the singles (38.4%). Perhaps pre-marital sexual experience among the married was a common experience thus explaining the higher proportion approving among them than the singles most of whom may not even have been engaged.(Zablan 2007)

25

Hubpage.com /hub/Teens and sex. We understand the risks, but a lot of girls do not wait untill they are ready because of peer pressure from boyfriends or their friends 'claiming' they have had sex. 1/3 of women say that they regret having sex in their teens and more then that say they were not ready and did not have the best experience. Teens usually start having sex so early now a days (14-17) that they don't know many people who've gotten pregnant and most who do get abortions which anyone having sex usually knows it is an option. And no one talks about STDs because they are 'gross' and 'embarrassing'.

I was 15 my first time and starting wondering about pregnancies so I got on birth control, which did not work and I got pregnant at 17, I will be 18 next week and have a beautiful 5month old baby boy who I love and was ready to have. Unlike most teens I have been with my boyfriend for 3 years (tomorrow) and living with him for almost 2 years living in our own apartment. With jobs and saved money, we are managing fine. My parents are there for us if anything were to happen. We are both happy and can't wait to have a bigger family. Sadly most teens who get pregnant are not in this situation they usually end up living with their parents, the dad is often out of the picture or not there as much as he should. A lot of teens find it difficult to be tied down and end up partying with their friend their parents

26

watch

their

baby..

Teens don't always think of consequences, it happens and it won't change. Theoretical Framework This research study is related to "Health Behavior Theory" proposed by social psychologist Hochbaum, Rosenstock and Kegels. Under this theory is the "Health Belief Model" is a psychological model that attempts to explain and predict health behaviors by focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals. In connection with this, the researchers relate the preventive measures used by the respondents to how they perceive the severity of the disease. The theory also states that there are perceived barriers that restricts individuals from taking precautionary measures regarding the said disease.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Teenage sexual activity is a major problem confronting the nation and has led to a rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), emotional and psychological injuries, and out-of-wedlock childbearing thus teenage pregnancies and premarital sex occurrences alarm every sector in our society particularly the church and health institutions. Substantial studies had been conducted to support this scenario. A

27

Young Adult Fertility Survey (Yafs) disclosed that males are more into pre-marital sex than females but over the years, young women are catching up with men. The survey covered 20,000 Filipino youths aged 15 to 24 years old across the country. According to the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation, 26 percent of our Filipino youth nationwide, from ages 15 to 25 years old, admitted to having a pre-marital sex experience. What's worse is that 38 percent of our youth are already in a live-in arrangement. The sexual revolution has ushered in a period where the average adolescent faces tremendous pressures to have sexual experiences of all kinds. Today, Pinoy teens get a higher exposure to sex from the Internet, magazines, TV shows, movies, and other media than decades ago, yet without any corresponding increase in information on how to handle the input. So kids are pretty much left to other kids for opinions and value formation when it comes to sex. Sexual misinformation is, therefore,

28

equally shared in the group. Parents at home and teachers in school feel equally inadequate or uneasy to discuss the topic of sex with youngsters. The problem mounts because the barkada has a more profound influence than parents do, exerts pressure and expects the adolescent to conform to the rest of the them. In our society, having sex outside marriage or before marriage is not acceptable especially that we are a Christian country where the sanctity of marriage is considered sacred be it civil or church wedding. But still a lot of people, particularly the young ones, were tempted to commit this act, discrediting the belief that sex is only for married couple and virginity is the gift one can give to her husband on the night of their wedding. "Girls have sex to be loved, while boys love to have sex". This romantic clich is the most obviously sleazy yet devastatingly lines ever spoken. Men telling women that having sex is just their way of expressing their love, is about as threadbare saw a spider inviting a butterfly into her parlor; while women believe that having sex is their way of proving their

29

love to a man. They gave all in the name of love to establish the truth of reality of their love. However, the question is: what if they are not meant to be? Later on, the women realize that the damage has been done. The guilt sets in and emotion like this has a great effect in their whole life. The knowledge of pre-marital sex among the youth has been observed to be weak as shown by the increasing rate of unwanted pregnancies, case of abortions, use of contraceptives and the spread of sexually transmitted disease. Teens have the right to know more than the bare facts of menstruation menopause, pregnancies, etc. With the right information, the youth will be more cautious with their sexual activities. Sexual intercourse in itself is neither morally evil nor good. It is the manner on which it was use that declares its morality. Like most things in life, it has to be done in the proper place, in the proper time and in the proper circumstances. Sexual intercourse should be practiced exclusively by those who are married (opposite sexes, of course) and should always

30

be consensual, practiced in the spirit of love, and should always be in private. This is the only proper way of doing it. The youth must wait for the right time before engaging in sexual acts, not because of the reason that it is an immoral practice but rather of the fact the risks involved such as abortion, unwanted pregnancy, getting the sexually transmitted diseases, etc. It has also ill effects on their mental, social and psychological being. Nevertheless whatever decision one will make, he/should be ready to face the consequences of their actions. Unprotected sexual activity in adolescence brings with it the dangers of too early or unwanted pregnancy, induced abortion often in unsafe conditions, STDs, HIV infection and AIDS. In the 1994 YAFSS II, a great number of Filipino youth aged 15-24 had been actively engaged in sexual activity. About 1.8 M boys and 670,000 girls had sexual relations already. On the average, the first sex encounter happened at the age 18. The study also points to signs that girls were forced into sexual relations due to their inability to successfully negotiate refusal of sexual

31

intercourse when not desired and are usually confronted with the threat of abandonment by the partner. The presence of parents and parental supervision is a key factor that could regulate the spontaneity of sexual activity among young adolescents. Other factors associated with the adolescents early sexual experience are social interactions indexed by the frequency of going out with friends. To enable adolescents and youth to cope with these challenging world, they should be provided with accurate information on their health concerns; make health services available and accessible to them; build their skills to enable them to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life and creates a safe and supportive environment that will nurture their growth and development. The influential adults such as parents, health service providers, teachers, legislators and people in the community should also have the skills to deal with adolescent issues and concerns. To stay away from these harmful effects teenagers must maintain standards and understand their responsibilities. Teens today need to follow the law of chastity. Chastity is "a lifestyle that brings freedom,

32

respect, peace, and even romance - without regret; Chastity frees a couple from the selfish attitudes of using each other as objects, and makes them capable of their love. Chastity is a very difficult lifestyle. Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2337). This comes to show that chastity needs to be practiced amongst our youth today. Teenagers are prone to premarital sex, and are especially influenced by the media's casual attitude toward it. Teenagers today are bombarded with the image of premarital sex through advertising. You can not watch cable television without seeing people kissing intimately, or even having sex . Premarital sex is suggested everywhere in our society, as seen on billboards, in movies, and in magazines. Perhaps, if teenagers had more confidence, they would not be prone to, and influenced by these artificial advertisements. There is no better way for teenagers to protect themselves from all of the dangers surrounding sex except to leave sex for marriage. Sexuality in human beings was not designed to just be

33

okay; it was designed to be extremely good! And it is great and wonderful when we use this special gift of God in the way He intended. Sadly, many people do not respect their sexuality as they should. Through immoral sexual behavior they belittle what God intended to be a very special experience.

RESEARCH PARADIGM INPUT Respondents profile terms of: a.) age b.) gende r c.) religion d.) family backg round PROCESS Assessment of the data through the following: Questionnaire PROCESS Testing the significant relationship between the level of awareness of the respondents about the consequences of premarital sex with their profile Awareness on the consequences of pre-marital sex OUTPUT

34

The research paradigm showing the process of how the research was made

Chapter 3 Research Methodology

Research Design This study aims to assess the level of awareness of the respondents. A descriptive method was used in the study. The researchers gather data by distributing survey questionnaires. The descriptive method is the most appropriate method in

35

inquiry about the present status and condition of a particular phenomenon. Concepts and procedures of a general descriptions, analysis, and classifications are discussed and illustrated in

considerable level. This method tends both the qualitative analysis of inquiry such as the present investigation. Hillway (4:187) pointed out that descriptive method is effective on obtaining accurate facts and figures about prevailing conditions. It tries to describe the situations from which the status of any kind of phenomena being studied may be learned and whenever possible to formulate conclusions from the data gathered.

Manuel and Medel (1:46) elaborated that the profile of the descriptive technique is to tell "what exist" or "what is" about the certain educational phenomenon. it may likewise include a study on factors or current condition about the nature of individuals or a class of events which may involve induction, classifications, analysis,

enumeration or measurement. Research Setting

36

The following are reasons why 14-19 year old out of school youth is the population chosen by the researchers for the study Many adolescents experiment with risk-taking behaviors, such as having unprotected sex. 30% of all births belongs to this age group seven out of every 10 women who are pregnant are teenagers

Research Subjects The respondents are 69 out-of-school youth. Specific age group of 1419 years old residing at Novaliches, Quezon City Research Instruments The researchers will gather data by conducting the following

procedures in a house to house basis in Novaliches, Quezon City to evaluate their level of awareness: QUESTIONNAIRES The Questionnaire is composed of checklist and multiple choice objective questions that assess the level of perception of the respondent Validation of Instruments The researchers will use the non-probability purposive sampling method in choosing the respondent. It is the method to be used

37

because the researchers will give specific criteria in choosing their respondents. Statistical Treatment of Data The following formulas will be used by the researchers 1. Percentage- in getting the percent value, the researchers get the frequency value divide it into number of respondents when multiply into one hundred percent(100%) Formula: P=f/n x 100% Where: f- frequency of given geographical n- number of respondents 2. Weighted Meanthe average scores of the mathematical

distribution. It is used symmetrical, unimodal distribution. It is most commonly used to measure central tendency is the mean.

38