Determinant factors of sexual and reproductive health literacy among adolescents in Indonesia: A national population-based study.

Authors

Wildan Satrio Darmawan, Sigit Ari Saputro, Sukarno Sono, Antonius Yansen Suryadarma, Monita Destiwi, Philip Etabee Bassey

Published in

Journal of education and health promotion. Volume 15. Pages 386. Epub Aug 31, 2026.

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL) among adolescents is a global public health concern. Almost half of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections have been associated with health literacy among youth. Limited SRHL has led to negative behaviours and their impact on health-related outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of SRHL among adolescents in Indonesia.
This study drew on the most recent nationwide, population-based cross-sectional study and applied Nutbeam's functional health literacy framework. SRHL was determined as a composite index and classified into three levels: limited, inadequate, and adequate. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the different proportions of SRHL. Binary logistic regression with a complex survey design was used to evaluate the factors associated with SRHL. The crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.
The magnitude of adequate literacy was 32.69% (95% CI, 31.92%-33.45%). Adolescents with advanced understanding and awareness of family function (AOR: 3.98; 3.36-4.72), female (AOR: 3.41; 2.90-4.02), internet usage (AOR: 3.07; 2.49-3.79), higher education (AOR: 2.96; 2.20-3.98), and dating experience (AOR: 2.52; 1.81-3.50) were associated with adequate SRHL in Indonesia. Moreover, parental knowledge (AOR: 2.03; 1.63-2.53), optimal information access (AOR: 2.35; 2.01-2.75), and liberal attitude toward early marriage (AOR: 2.16; 1.86-2.50) were more likely to have adequate literacy.
Comprehensive public health strategies, including integrating reproductive health education, strengthening parental communication, and leveraging digital media were suggested to improve adolescent's health literacy.

PMID:
42829775
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 04 Oct 2026.

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