Study of perceived norms, beliefs and intended sexual behaviour among higher secondary school students in India

The objective of this paper is to understand the intended sexual and condom behaviour patterns among teenage higher secondary school students in India . To achieve this, variables including perceived norms, perceived peer grou p norms, risk behaviour patterns, perceived chances of getting AIDS and rel evant sociodemographic variables were regressed on intended sexual behaviou r. Regression of actual sexual behaviour was carried out with perceived nor ms, perceived peer group norms and intended sexual behaviour as the indepen dent variables. In this paper a conceptual model has been framed based on t he theory of reasoned action, health belief model and self-efficacy theory. Cumulative scores are computed for perceived norms, perceived peer group n orms, risk behaviour patterns, opinion on handling condoms and perceived ch ances of getting AIDS. Along with these variables, possible confounding var iables such as age, gender, type of family, mother's education and father's education were considered for their effect on intended sexual and condom b ehaviour. The results revealed that perceived norms and perceived peer grou p norms showed significant association with intended sexual behaviour and a ctual sexual behaviour and that children of more highly educated parents ar e less likely to engage in sexual activities in their adolescent years.