Philippine E-Journals

Sex Education: A Step towards Improving the Sexual Attitudes and Practices of Muslim Adolescent Students

Naima T. Datumanong-mala

Discipline: Social Science

 

Abstract:

Sex education is a major source of learning about sexual health related issues which are not extensively explained in the average science classes. However, it is a sensitive subject for most Meranaos because of the conservative culture of most Muslim societies. In the absence of sex education and due to their immaturity, adolescents may have divergent sexual attitudes and commit irresponsible practices. This quantitative descriptive-correlational study was conducted to discover the sexual attitudes and practices of Muslim adolescents towards the several aspects of sexual relationships: courtship, heterosexual relationship, dating, and pre-marital relationship before and after the implementation of the sex education program in different high schools in Lanao del Sur First District. Paired t-test analysis was used to test if there is a significant relationship between the sexual attitudes and practices before and after the implementation of the sex education program. The findings reveal that the implementation of the sex education program resulted in the general decline of activities that could lead to sexual relations, as well as a significant decrease in the participants’ sexual attitudes and practices. This research concludes that there is a significant difference in the sexual attitudes and practices of the respondents before and after the implementation of the sex education program.