Factors Relating Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Among Lower Secondary Students at Uthai Wittayakom School,Uthai Thani Province

Abstract

ABSTRACT

            This descriptive research aimed to examine the factors associated with pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention among lower secondary school students at Uthai Wittayakhom School, Uthai Thani Province. The study sample consisted of 287 students, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with a significance level set at 0.05. The findings indicated that several factors were significantly associated with pregnancy and STD prevention. These included students’ overall grade point average (x² = 14.587, p = 0.024), parental cohabitation status (x² = 14.619, p = 0.023), and prior sexual experience (x² = 14.698, p > 0.001). Health perception factors influencing prevention behaviors included perceived susceptibility (x² = 13.260, p = 0.010) and perceived self-efficacy (x² = 13.473, p = 0.009). Additionally, social support factors were found to be significantly associated, including family support (x² = 16.839, p = 0.002), peer support (x² = 9.514, p = 0.049), support from teachers and educational institutions (x² = 32.435, p > 0.001), and support from healthcare personnel (x² = 71.615, p > 0.001). This study underscores the importance of addressing pregnancy and STD prevention among lower secondary school students, who represent the future of the nation. The findings are expected to serve as a foundational resource for developing effective prevention strategies and interventions to enhance reproductive health education and support systems for adolescents.