Students’ Attitude and Perception on Premarital Sex Basis for a Sex Education Program

This research determined the students’ perception on premarital sex towards the development of an appropriate sex education program. Utilizing descriptive-correlational research design through the survey method, the study was participated by 189 students from Western Colleges, Inc. Majority of the participants are young adult females, BS Criminology students, and members of the Roman Catholic Church. They have slightly positive attitude towards premarital sex but have low perception on it, specifically in terms susceptibility and self-efficacy. The participants’ age, sex, program enrolled, and attitude were found to be associated with how they perceive premarital sex. This study clearly suggests that there is indeed a need to initiate a sex education program to inform students of the consequences of engaging in premarital sex. In designing such, it has to be ensured that the means of its implementation are age-appropriate, gender sensitive, and leaning towards behavior modification.

Keywords – Family Planning, Premarital Sex, Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood, Sex Education