INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sex education is an essential component of a well-rounded education. It primarily provides

knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about relationships and sexual health. Sexuality

plays a very significant role in the lives of both boys and girls and considered important for schools

to recognize and accept sexuality as part of the development process of the child. However,

adolescents lack in knowledge of sexual and reproductive health in various countries in the world.

Addressing gaps in sex education can help navigate the negative consequences of misinformation,

such as unplanned pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence.

According to Journal of Adolescent Health, the issue related to sex education are

multifaceted. Many regions lack comprehensive sex education programs in schools, hindering

students’ understanding of reproductive health, safe sexual practices, and consent. Evidence links

traditional gender norms, unequal power in sexual relationships and intimate partner violence with

negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes. (Habrila, 2015) Addressing these issues, it is

necessary to examine and change established gender norms, promote fair relationships, and put

preventative measures in place for the abuse of intimate partner. Unhealthy, exploitive, or risky

sexual activity may lead to health and social problems, such as unintended pregnancy and

sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis, herpes,

human papilloma virus (HPV); HIV infection; and AIDS (Pediatrics, 2016)

The rising rate of teenage pregnancies are necessary to create a policy framework that will

work across the entire government to prevent early childbearing and its associated problems.

However, the country still has one of the highest adolescent birth rates among the ASEAN

Member States. The Population Commission (POPCOM) reported that 24 babies are born to

teenage mothers every hour. Teenage pregnancy among Filipino women aged 15 to 19 years

declined from 8.6 percent in 2017 to 5.4 percent in 2022. Among women aged 15 to 19 years who

have ever been pregnant as of 2022, the highest percentage was recorded in woman aged 19

years (13.3%). This was followed by women aged 18 years (5.9%) and women aged 17 years
(5.6%). As expected, the lowest percentage of women aged 15 to 19 years who have begun

childbearing was for those who were aged 16 years (1.7%), followed by women aged 15 years

(1.4%).

The LGU (Local Government Unit) plays its crucial role in implementing effective initiatives

to reduce teenage pregnancy. One such program was providing comprehensive sex education in

schools. Through this symposium in partnership with the Municipal Health Office, focused on the

sensitive topic of teenage pregnancy and aimed to raise awareness about its causes,

consequences, and prevention. Where students learn about reproductive health, responsible

decision making and importance of education. By implementing these programs, the LGU can

effectively tackle teenage pregnancy and promote the well being of teenagers in the community.

Even though LGU has been doing its best effort on making program about the prevention of

teenage pregnancy and raising awareness of sex education, some of the students in QBCNHS are

still sexually active which could lead them to being pregnant, and the other students are bringing

their babies with them in school which could lead to distractions in the middle of the class.

In the context of the study, the conclusion regarding the level of awareness and knowledge

in sex education among Grade 11 ABM students underscores the importance of understanding

their current understanding and attitudes towards sexual health. This serves as a crucial

foundation for developing effective and targeted interventions to address any gaps or

misconceptions identified within this demographic.

Statement of the Problem

The study sought to determine the level of awareness in sex education of Senior High

School ABM students. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the level of awareness in sex education in terms of:

a. Knowledge levels

b. Attitude
 c. Decision-making

2. What are the attitudes and beliefs of the students towards sex education?

3. How do students communicate about their sexual health?

4. How do cultural and societal norms influence students access to sex education

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to investigate the level of awareness in sex education of Senior

High School ABM students. Specifically, it strived to:

1. Explore the level of awareness in sex education of Senior High School ABM students in

terms of knowledge levels, attitude, and decision-making.

2. Examine the attitudes and beliefs towards sex education of ABM Senior High School

students.

3. To identify how the students communicate about their sexual health.

4. To assess cultural and societal norms of students to sex education.

Significance of the Study

The result of the study will give benefit of the following:

This study may be of guide for students as it equips them with the knowledge and skills

necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships, promoting

safety and empowerment. By addressing topics such as contraception, consent, and healthy

relationships, sex education fosters a supportive environment for students.

The result of the study may promote on open communication and provide accurate

information. Parents may help their children become more aware of sexual health issues and give
them the information they need to make educated decisions by having conversations with them

about consent, healthy relationships, contraception, and STIs.

Studying LGU programs’ impact on sex education awareness in teenagers is important to

assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and promote healthier behaviors, reducing

risks of unplanned pregnancies. It may help empower teenagers to make informed decisions about

their sexual health and well-being.

By addressing any gaps or misconceptions among students, may enables educators to

customize sex education curricula and interventions, improving student learning outcomes.

School administrator’s support and guidance may helps create a safe learning environment

where students can receive essential knowledge about sexual health and relationships. As they

play crucial role in sex education by supervising curriculum and ensuring that comprehensive and

accurate information is provided to students. Their support and guidance

Finally, through this study future researchers may be guided to their future research.

Scope and Delimitation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the students specifically Senior High schools in ABM

(Accountancy, Business and Management) of Quezon Bukidnon Comprehensive National High

School's awareness to sex education. This will involve questions on how knowledgeable the

students are on a range of sex education, including reproductive anatomy, consent, and

contraception. To avoid mistakes like teenage pregnancy, this study will include as respondents of

QUEZON BUKIDNON COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL of Senior Highschool

Students in ABM curriculum. It also aims to increase students' knowledge and awareness of

sexual health and relationships.

 Definition of terms

For a better understanding of the study, the defined terms are listed below.

Sex education is a field of study and practice that aims to provide people a thorough

understanding of human sexuality, reproductive health, and relationships, particularly in senior

high school students. It covers a wide range of subjects, including as anatomy, physiology,

consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, and contraception.

Sexual health and reproduction refer to the physical, emotional, and social aspects of

sexuality, including anatomy, puberty, and sexual behavior. In this study, it is crucial in guiding

senior high school students towards informed choices and behaviors.

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring in individuals aged 13 to 19, reflecting

their reproductive experiences during adolescence. In this study, teenage pregnancy serves as an

indicator for the sexual health education programs and the youths' grasp of reproductive concepts.

HIV and AIDs refer to the viruses and diseases that can result from unprotected sexual

activity. This highlights the importance of comprehensive sex education in preventing transmission

and promoting safe practices among senior high school students.

Contraception entails the methods and practices used to prevent unintended pregnancies

and sexually transmitted infections, crucial for empowering senior high school students with

reproductive autonomy. By promoting comprehensive sex education, it empowers students to

make healthy choices and reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Decision-making is the process involved in making choices regarding sexual behavior,

informed by knowledge, values, and social influences. This is pivotal for promoting responsible

sexual behavior among senior high school students.