Brief abstract

Scientists with Nepal's Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities studied the sexual behavior of young factory workers in Nepal. In 2001, researchers surveyed 550 girls and 500 boys, ages 14 to 19, working in the carpet and garment factories of the Kathmandu Valley. The factory workers represented 46 districts from across the country. The main objectives of the study were to discover the extent of sexual and reproductive health risk behavior of young factory workers. Researchers also sought to understand the perceptions of risk that these young workers held.

Risky sexual behavior is common

The study showed that substantial proportions of young factory workers indulge in risky sexual behavior. Substance abuse, early sexual experimentation, multiple partners, irregular use of condoms, low use of other contraceptives, unwanted pregnancies, frequent occurrence of unsafe abortions, and instances of rape or sexual harassment are common. Despite high-risk behavior, relatively few young people considered themselves to be at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV/AIDS, or unwanted pregnancy. Knowledge of contraceptive methods seemed to be superficial, and information regarding the risk of unsafe sex and its consequences remained inadequate.

Myths, incomplete information lead to risky behavior

Young factory workers are aware of some forms of protection from unwanted pregnancy, STIs, and other reproductive risks in general. However, their information is incomplete, and they hold a number of misconceptions that are rarely addressed in health programs. Young people are taking risks partly as a result of such mistaken beliefs. For instance, many believe that village girls or educated young women cannot be infected with STDs and that girls cannot become pregnant from first sexual intercourse. Therefore action is needed to dispel such myths and misconceptions, and impart more knowledge of contraception. In particular, the message that every sexual act carries a potential risk of disease and unwanted pregnancy should be clearly imparted.

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