The Influence Of Peers And Sources Of Information On Premarital Sexual Behavior In Students Of SMA Negeri 2 Medan In 2012

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The Influence of Peers and Sources of Information on Premarital Sexual Behavior in Students of SMA Negeri 2 Medan in 2012

Introduction

Premarital sexual behavior in adolescents is a pressing concern in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the influence of peers and sources of information on premarital sexual behavior in students of SMA Negeri 2 Medan in 2012. The study employed an observational analytic method with a cross-sectional design, involving 257 students in class X and XI who met the specified criteria. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to premarital sexual behavior among adolescents.

Background

Premarital sexual behavior is a complex issue that is influenced by various factors, including peer relationships, access to information, and social norms. In Indonesia, premarital sexual behavior is considered a taboo topic, and adolescents often lack access to accurate information about reproductive health and sexuality. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by examining the influence of peers and sources of information on premarital sexual behavior in students of SMA Negeri 2 Medan.

Methodology

This study used an observational analytic method with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 257 students in class X and XI who met the specified criteria, including being in a romantic relationship, having a peer group, being able to use the internet, and not being introverted. The data were analyzed using a double logistics regression test.

Results

The results of this study showed that 41.2% of students in SMA Negeri 2 Medan had premarital sexual behavior that was classified as severe. The study identified two variables that had a significant effect on premarital sexual behavior: group leadership (p = 0.046) and electronic media (p = 0.001). Electronic media was the most dominant variable, with a coefficient value of 1,286. This means that students with poor group leadership and exposed to severe sexual content through electronic media have a high probability (77.17%) of carrying out serious premarital sexual behavior.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of the role of peers and sources of information in shaping premarital sexual behavior among adolescents. The study shows that students who have peers with poor leadership tend to be more easily influenced by premarital sexual behavior. This underscores the importance of building a positive culture in the school environment and encouraging students to have good peers.

The study also confirms the great influence of electronic media on premarital sexual behavior. Easy access to sexual content on the internet and social media increases the risk of premarital sexual behavior in adolescents. The school needs to provide comprehensive sex and media education to students to help them understand the negative impact of sexual content and learn to manage access to information on social media.

The Role of Parents

Although this research focuses on the role of the school, the role of parents is also very important in shaping adolescent sexual behavior. Parents need to build open communication with children, provide sex education, and provide examples of good behavior. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's values and attitudes towards sex and relationships.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Comprehensive sex education: The school needs to intensify comprehensive sex education programs that include aspects of reproductive health, the impact of premarital sexual behavior, and how to manage sexual information in the media.
  • Increasing supervision: The school needs to increase supervision of students, both in the classroom and in the school environment, to prevent premarital sexual behavior.
  • School and parent cooperation: It is essential to build close cooperation between schools and parents in providing education and supervision of children related to sexual behavior.
  • Community involvement: Schools can involve communities and community organizations to help in providing education and assistance for adolescents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that premarital sexual behavior in adolescents in SMA Negeri 2 Medan is influenced by peers and access to sexual information through electronic media. The school needs to take an active role in preventing this behavior by implementing comprehensive sex education, increasing supervision, and building cooperation with parents and communities. By working together, we can help adolescents make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single school. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Finally, the study did not examine the role of other factors, such as family background and socioeconomic status, in shaping premarital sexual behavior.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other schools and settings to confirm the findings and explore the generalizability of the results. Additionally, future research should examine the role of other factors, such as family background and socioeconomic status, in shaping premarital sexual behavior. By exploring these factors, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding premarital sexual behavior among adolescents.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study have several implications for practice. Firstly, schools need to take a proactive role in preventing premarital sexual behavior by implementing comprehensive sex education programs and increasing supervision. Secondly, parents need to build open communication with their children and provide sex education to help them make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. Finally, communities and community organizations need to be involved in providing education and assistance for adolescents to help them navigate the complex issues surrounding premarital sexual behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Peers and Sources of Information on Premarital Sexual Behavior in Students of SMA Negeri 2 Medan in 2012

Q: What is the main focus of this study? A: The main focus of this study is to investigate the influence of peers and sources of information on premarital sexual behavior in students of SMA Negeri 2 Medan in 2012.

Q: What methods were used in this study? A: This study used an observational analytic method with a cross-sectional design, involving 257 students in class X and XI who met the specified criteria.

Q: What were the results of this study? A: The results of this study showed that 41.2% of students in SMA Negeri 2 Medan had premarital sexual behavior that was classified as severe. The study identified two variables that had a significant effect on premarital sexual behavior: group leadership (p = 0.046) and electronic media (p = 0.001).

Q: What is the significance of the findings of this study? A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of the role of peers and sources of information in shaping premarital sexual behavior among adolescents. The study shows that students who have peers with poor leadership tend to be more easily influenced by premarital sexual behavior.

Q: What are the implications of this study for schools? A: The study suggests that schools need to take a proactive role in preventing premarital sexual behavior by implementing comprehensive sex education programs and increasing supervision.

Q: What are the implications of this study for parents? A: The study suggests that parents need to build open communication with their children and provide sex education to help them make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

Q: What are the implications of this study for communities and community organizations? A: The study suggests that communities and community organizations need to be involved in providing education and assistance for adolescents to help them navigate the complex issues surrounding premarital sexual behavior.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study? A: Future research should aim to replicate this study in other schools and settings to confirm the findings and explore the generalizability of the results.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for schools, parents, and communities? A: The study suggests that schools, parents, and communities need to work together to provide education and support for adolescents to help them make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

Q: What are the key takeaways from this study? A: The key takeaways from this study are:

  • Premarital sexual behavior is a significant issue among adolescents in SMA Negeri 2 Medan.
  • Peers and sources of information play a significant role in shaping premarital sexual behavior among adolescents.
  • Schools, parents, and communities need to work together to provide education and support for adolescents to help them make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research? A: Future research should aim to replicate this study in other schools and settings to confirm the findings and explore the generalizability of the results. Additionally, future research should examine the role of other factors, such as family background and socioeconomic status, in shaping premarital sexual behavior.