Kiến thức và thái độ về sức khỏe sinh sản, sức khỏe tình dục của thanh thiếu niên và người trưởng thành tại tỉnh Sơn La

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remains a critical global public health concern, particularly in developing regions like Vietnam. Despite annual SRH education programs, significant gaps persist in knowledge and attitudes, especially between different age groups. The prevalence of adolescent pregnancies and limited access to modern contraception highlight the urgency of understanding these issues. Misconceptions and inadequate information on safe sexual practices contribute to adverse outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. This study aims to assess the current knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual and reproductive health among adolescents and adults in Son La province, Vietnam, providing a foundation for more effective educational strategies.

Public health researchers, policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations focusing on sexual and reproductive health in Vietnam, particularly those working with adolescents and adults in provincial settings.

This cross-sectional study involved 1012 participants (382 adolescents, 630 adults) from Son La province to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health. Data were collected via structured questionnaires focusing on puberty, contraception, and safe sex practices. Key findings reveal notable discrepancies between age groups. While 81.7% of adolescents knew about male condoms, adults demonstrated higher awareness of contraceptive rings and injections. A significant proportion of adolescents (66%) reported feeling ashamed when seeking contraception, compared to 58.1% of adults. Furthermore, only 41.6% of adolescents understood the proper use of emergency contraceptive pills, substantially lower than adults (69.5%). Regarding attitudes, 66.2% of adolescents considered premarital sex unacceptable, contrasted with 57.6% of adults. Both groups exhibited limited understanding of correct condom use and reasons for unintended pregnancy. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced sexual and reproductive health education. Recommendations include raising awareness, particularly for adolescents, on various contraceptive methods and safe sex skills. Educational programs should be practical, accessible, and culturally sensitive to improve community confidence and comprehension. Addressing the observed gaps in knowledge and challenging prevailing attitudes is crucial for mitigating adverse SRH outcomes in the province.