ABSTRACT

Adolescence period, during which reproductive functions of human bodies develop, is a special time period that the family planning and sexually transmitted diseases are the subject of matter. In this study we have aimed to search the knowledge level of adolescents who are living in the rural and urban areas in Trabzon, on family planning and sexually transmitted diseases.

Questions on family planning (total of 21 points) and sexually transmitted diseases (total of 10 points) have been asked and the students' levels of knowledge have been evaluated.

When the students were asked about family planning methods they practice, their replies concentrated mostly on oral contraceptive drugs (77.4%), condom (68.7 %), and intrauterine device (56.4%). Family planning knowledge level of girls has been found as 8.9±0.2, whereas this figure was 3.4 ±0.1 for the boys. The difference between sex groups was significant (p<0.001). When the students were asked about sexually transmitted diseases, they concentrated mostly on AIDS (95.0 %). The knowledge level tests on the sexually transmitted diseases that give more or less the same results: girls 3.3 ± 2.3 points, boys 2.3 ± 2.0 points (p<0.001).

As a result, both sexualities' knowledge level on family planning and sexually transmitted diseases has been found as 'low'. Especially the boys with lower level of knowledge would cause some problems and risks for themselves for their future life.