Determinant Analysis of Premarital Sexual Knowledge among Adolescents at SMP Negeri 9 Gorontalo

Abstract

Premarital sexual knowledge among adolescents is an important aspect in preventing risky behaviors that may affect reproductive health. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing premarital sexual knowledge among adolescents at SMP Negeri 9 Gorontalo City, with a focus on media exposure, peer influence, and self-defense. The research employed a quantitative method with a correlational design using a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of all ninth- grade students at SMP Negeri 9 Gorontalo City, totaling 81 respondents, selected through a total sampling technique. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and data analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square test. The findings revealed that 27.2% of adolescents had good premarital sexual knowledge, while 72.8% had moderate knowledge. Respondents with good utilization of social media accounted for 25.9%, those with positive peer influence were 25.9%, and those with strong self-defense were 39.5%. Statistical tests indicated significant relationships between premarital sexual knowledge and media exposure (p=0.000), peer influence (p=0.014), and self-defense (p=0.000). It can be concluded that social media, peer influence, and self-defense are significantly associated with adolescents’ level of premarital sexual knowledge. Therefore, the active role of schools, teachers, and parents is required to provide comprehensive sexual education and create a supportive social environment.