Background - Adolescent fertility in West Bengal is one of the highest in Northeast India. In 2019, there were 80 births for every 1000 adolescents. TPs are often caused by limited sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL), leading to poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decisions. SRHL is “the self-perceived ability of an individual to access the needed information, understand the information, appraise and apply the information into informed decision making for a good way to contribute to sexual and reproductive health” (Federici). In this study, we measured SRHL in adolescents aged 15–19 to identify factors associated with SRHL.

Methods - We conducted a cross-sectional study in rural and urban areas of West Bengal in 2019. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire with four parts: demographic identification, personal health practices, SRH knowledge, and functional literacy. As in previous studies, we calculated mean SRHL scores based on the HL-EU index. We then used descriptive statistics to identify the specific factors associated with SRHL in Bengali adolescents.

Results - Among 89 respondents, 56.68% had inadequate SRHL. Scores were most influenced by the following factors: school location, quality of SRH educational curriculums, and functional literacy on contraceptives. Respondents in the latter group had a significantly higher SRHL score than their peers. 

Conclusions - This study explored the sexual and reproductive knowledge of adolescents in West Bengal. It measured their SRH literacy levels and factors affecting them. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was developed with a specific focus on SHR literacy levels. The results reveal that much of the tested population has inadequate SR. Thus, comprehensive sexual education and ready access to SRH services are essential to ensuring that adolescents can access, understand, appraise and apply good SRH knowledge in stressful situations.

Health Literacy and Public Health Promotion 

Health Literacy in Adolescence