Sexual issues: let's hear it from the Malaysian boys

Abstract

Background

This paper explored adolescents’ sexuality with specific reference to their attitudes towards sex, safe sex, their risk-handling skills, sources of sexual information and how this information influenced their knowledge and attitudes.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized focus group methodology. Four focus groups were conducted, involving a total of 31 Malaysian adolescent boys aged between 13 and 17 years.

Results

Findings from the focus groups revealed that the concept of sex was seen within the context of marriage and sex was also viewed as synonymous with love. All the participants denied having sex. The reasons for having sex were: ‘to have fun’, ‘part of natural urge’, curiosity, tension and pressure from family, schoolwork and being away from family. Procreation and the expression of love were also noted as reasons why people have sex. Masturbation was fairly well known among the boys but was felt to have negative consequences on one's health. There was a general lack of awareness on the issue of wet dreams. There were mixed feelings with regards to sexual abstinence before marriage. Knowledge on safe sex was still vague. The boys also perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection, but lacked the skills for handling this issue. Sources of sexual information were mainly from male friends or through the mass media. None of their parents talked to them about sexual matters.

Conclusions

Level of awareness and knowledge on sexual issues is still lacking. Misconceptions still prevail. Sex education and research in this area is warranted.