A Systematic Review on Adolescents’ Premarital Sexual Behaviour In Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Premarital sexual behaviours among adolescents and the associated negative consequences of teenage pregnancy is an increasing public health concerns in Malaysia. Despite the extensive research related to sexual and reproductive health of adolescents, the problems remain reflecting the possible poor understanding of the underlying causes contribute to the problem. This systematic review is aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence on the contributing factors related to premarital sexual behaviours among adolescents in Malaysia. Methods: Five databases; Scopus, MEDLINE/ PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct and Google Scholar were utilized to systematically searched related articles up to July 2018. Searching involved local quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies with premarital sexual behaviours among adolescents in Malaysia being the primary outcome. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias.Results: We identified 1762 articles, of which only nine articles were included, which was dominated by six cross sectional studies. A total of 41 939 adolescents aged between 12 to 19 years old were included in this review. The prevalence of premarital sexual behaviours among adolescents was ranging between 2.9% to 8.3%, reported by history of ever had sex. Religiosity, attitude towards sexual urge (pornography and masturbation), high-risk behaviours (bullying, smoking and substance intake – alcohol and drugs) and parents-peers influence were main contributing factors identified to associate with premarital sexual behaviours.Conclusion: Negative attitude towards sexual urge and involvement in high risk behaviours put adolescents at higher risk of premarital sexual behaviour, while religious beliefs and reciprocal relationship between parents and peers influence may act as protective factors. However, more qualitative, and mixed methods studies needed to get in-depth understanding on the relationship between these factors and premarital sexual behaviours.

Focus Group Discussions with Young People on Premarital Sex and its Consequences

“…A few local researchers believed that a lack of commitment to spiritual practice might predispose young people to engage in premarital sexual activities. Other than that, it transgressing the teaching of religion (Islam) that forbids free social and sexual relationships with 'non-mahram' or unmarriageable kin (Minhat, Ismail, Jafri, Zulkefli, & Ahmad, 2021). Such behaviour were believed to eventually increase their tendency for having an ex-nuptial infant and infant abandonment.…”

Pencegahan Perilaku Seksual Pra-Nikah Remaja Di Perkotaan Demi Mencetak Generasi Emas 2045

“…Berdasarkan hasil kajian diketahui, bahwa sikap ibu yang permisif terhadap perilaku seksual pranikah (Maternity 2018;Gravel et al 2016) dapat meningkatkan resiko remaja ke dalam perilaku seksual pra-nikah. Sementara hasil penelitian lain menunjukkan, bahwa religiusitas (Minhat et al 2021), peran keluarga (Kristin et al 2018 Alur hubungan antara faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan perilaku seks pra-nikah remaja dapat dilihat dalam Gambar 1.…”