Abstract

Background: Worldwide, Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) issues comprise a third of health problems for women
aged 15–44. SRH education equips people with knowledge of concepts around sexuality and reproduction, and the
skills help to make informed decisions to prevent sexual and reproductive ill-health, including unplanned pregnancy
and HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of
late adolescents relating to SRH, examining their attitudes toward sex and contraception, and to identify the gaps in
knowledge pertaining to decision-making around risk-taking behaviour.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken with 30 adolescents aged 18–19, purposively and
snowball sampled from a university in Northern Thailand. Data collaction took place from July 2020 to January 2021.
In-depth individual interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data were recorded, transcribed,
and analysed in ATLAS.ti version 9, using Modified Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to identify pertinent
themes.
Results: Participants revealed five key experiences of SRH related to sex and contraception: Keeping a secret; Seeking Freedom and Love; Having SRH education; Self-protection; Parental acceptance. All findings reflected the value and
impact of SRH on the experiences of late adolescents.
Conclusions: This study provides detailed knowledge about adolescents’ perspectives of SRH and rights in terms
of accessing sexual and reproductive health care and information as well as autonomy in sexual and reproductive
decision-making. Gaining SRH education can assist decision-making concerning contraceptive methods for family planning and STI prevention. The study recommends that SRH and rights-based education should be designed
responsively and appropriately for female and male adolescents, their families, and society. The content of SRH should
be informed and advocated by healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and systems to empower adolescents
in order to achieve effective SRH education.