Sexual and reproductive knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in a school going population of XXXX Lankan adolescents.

@entity1 @entity3595
The reproductive and sexual health of adolescents is an important health concern and a focus of global attention. In @entity3595 Lanka, a lack of understanding about adolescent reproductive and sexual health needs is a matter of national concern. A survey was undertaken to examine the sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of school going adolescents in @entity3595 Lanka. A random sample of schools was selected from one district. Data were collected by a self-completion questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Response rate was 90%. 2020 pupils (26% @entity1 , 74% @entity1 ) aged 16-19 years (mean   =   16.9) participated, the majority Sinhalese (97%). Most reported a good parent- @entity1 relationship (88%). A minority (34%) discussed sexual issues with parents. Health professionals were the preferred source of sexual information (32%) rather than parents (12.5%) or friends (5.6%). Less than 1% demonstrated satisfactory sexual and reproductive knowledge levels. 1.7% were sexually active (30 @entity1 vs 5 @entity1 ), the majority with same age partners. 57% used contraception at first intercourse. There is an imperative to address the lack of sexual and reproductive knowledge. A minority of school going adolescents become sexually active. These individuals are potentially vulnerable and services need to be developed to meet their needs.
