HEALTH BELIEF MODEL TO EXPLORE ADOLESCENTS ABOUT FREE SEX IN INDONESIA
Background: Adolescent sexuality poses a global challenge with issues such as early marriage, maternal mortality, and increasing cases of HIV/AIDS. Inadequate reproductive health education impedes the well-being of adolescents, leading to unmet health needs. Globally, millions suffer from sexually transmitted infections and new HIV cases, particularly among adolescents. Despite this, effective reproductive education remains deficient in Indonesia due to societal taboos surrounding sexuality. Method: This study employed a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) software to collect primary data from two schools in Indonesia from September 1 to October 15, 2023. The analysis included 96 respondents using SPSS and Smart-PLS software for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: The analysis uncovered relationships among factors like susceptibility, severity, benefit, barrier, and cues to action, influencing adolescent behavior related to free sexual conduct. While severity showed no direct effect on self-efficacy, benefit and barrier significantly affected self-efficacy. Self-efficacy emerged as a mediator between these factors and adolescent behavior concerning free sexual conduct. Conclusion: Adolescent sexual education is inadequately implemented in Indonesian schools due to societal constraints. Effective communication with family and educators can mitigate adolescent involvement in free sexual behavior. Open dialogue and proper reproductive health education are vital for cultivating responsible attitudes towards adolescent sexuality. Additionally, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping adolescent behavior concerning free sexual conduct.
Adolescent Free Sex, Free Sex, Health Belief Model.