YOUTH REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR: THE ROLE OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND MEDICAL SUPPORT

Abstract

The article examines the features of the formation of reproductive behavior among young people, particularly the role of family communication, medical counseling, and social factors in shaping a conscious attitude toward sexual and reproductive health. The level of discussion of intimate issues within the family, young people’s visits to medical professionals before and after the onset of sexual activity, the age of sexual debut, the number of sexual partners, and the main channels of communication regarding intimate issues were analyzed. The results of the authors’ own survey were summarized and compared with data from international scientific studies and analytical reports in the field of public health, as well as related sources. The study used the results of an anonymous survey of 202 respondents of young age. It was found that comprehensive communication between parents and adolescents regarding intimate relationships remains insufficiently developed: only a portion of young people have the opportunity to openly discuss such issues within the family, while a significant proportion of respondents receive information only partially or do not discuss these topics at all. It was also revealed that more than half of the respondents had not visited a gynecologist for preventive purposes before the onset of sexual activity or afterward, which indicates an insufficient level of early medical counseling. Behavioral aspects of reproductive behavior among young people were also analyzed. It was established that the majority of respondents already have sexual experience, with the most common age of sexual debut occurring in late adolescence. The presence of a group of individuals with an early sexual debut and multiple sexual partners was also identified, which may be associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other reproductive health complications. It was found that the primary channel for discussing intimate issues among young people remains friends and peers, whereas seeking advice from parents or medical professionals occurs significantly less frequently. The authors concluded that the insufficient level of family communication and the limited access to preventive medical counseling may negatively affect the formation of responsible reproductive behavior among young people. The study emphasizes the need to develop and implement educational and preventive programs aimed at improving reproductive literacy among the young population and strengthening the role of medical professionals in matters of sexual and reproductive health