Adolescent knowledge about sexual health and factors influencing use of such knowledge in the greater Stellenbosch area

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for sexual exploration, often marked by a lack of accurate information, as sexuality remains a sensitive topic for many parents, guardians and teachers. Inadequate sexual health knowledge can lead to high adolescent pregnancy rates and school dropout. This study aimed to investigate the sexual health knowledge of older adolescents (18+) and identify factors influencing their decisions about sexual health in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Methodology: Research Design: A quantitative descriptive survey was used. Population and sample: The study was conducted by way of initial stratified and then convenience sampling among 18-20 years Grade 11 and 12 learners from eleven schools with diverse socio-economic backgrounds in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. Data Collection and Analysis: Respondents completed a structured survey on contraceptive knowledge and sexual practices. The survey was adapted from a previous instrument, the Adolescent and Sexual Health Survey, and used without formal validation, as no validated tool exists for this population. Data were collected in both paper-based and electronic formats via REDCap, depending on feasibility. A total of 432 Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners participated, with inclusion criteria being learners aged 18–20 years, enrolled in secondary school in Stellenbosch, and willing to provide informed consent. REDCap software was used to collect data, which was then analysed with IBM SPSS version 30. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarise the data and identify patterns and trends. Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval was obtained from the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC), and permission was secured from the participating schools to access learners. The study ensured voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality, with support available for any respondent’s distress. Results: Descriptive analysis indicated moderate levels of sexual health knowledge among adolescents, with continuing misconceptions about contraception and the legal age of consent (only 25% correctly identified the age of consent). Contraceptive use was inconsistent (62% reported not using any method). Influences on sexual decision-making included future goals (62%) and health concerns (55%), while parents (39%) and religion (31%) guided avoidance of sexual activity. Conclusion: Findings suggest the need for strengthened sexual health education that addresses persistent misconceptions and reinforces collaboration between families, schools, and community structures. Improved access to accurate, youth-friendly information may support safer sexual practices and contribute to better health outcomes for adolescents in Stellenbosch.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Hauptfleisch, Marthie Smit

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Young, Cornelle

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136607

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136607