Breaking the Silence: Factors Associated With Perceived Social Norms Regarding Sexual And Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Students In Monastic Schools, Myanmar
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Abstract
This study assessed perceived SRH social norms, SRH knowledge, and associated factors among adolescent students in monastic schools in Myanmar. Data were drawn from the 2016 baseline survey of the Integrated Multi-Sectoral Approach (IMSA) project, involving 870 students aged 11–18 years from eight monastic schools in Magway Region. Perceived descriptive and injunctive SRH social norms were measured and analyzed using ANOVA and multiple linear regression. The mean perceived social norms score was 33.9 (SD = 5.3; range: 17–50), with lower scores indicating more favorable perceived social norms. Good knowledge of puberty was reported by 56.2% of students. Higher education (β = -1.49, p < .01) and receiving SRH education from peer educators (β = -1.71, p < .01) were significantly associated with more favorable perceived social norms. Better SRH knowledge was associated with more favorable perceived social norms, although the association was not statistically significant (β = -0.315, p = .386). Strengthening comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) by addressing unfavorable social norms and improving access to accurate, age-appropriate SRH information through trained teachers and peer educators may promote more favorable SRH-related social norms among adolescents. Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of CSE interventions on social norms.
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References
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