USM R & D J 16(1):43-52 (2008) ISSN 0302-7937

Perceptions of graduating students and their peers on pre-marital sex: University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, School Year 2007-2008
Sheryll Ann T. Solaiman, Sunshine S. Puti-an, Nova Jane M. Ullo, & Cebella T. Guintaos Former BS Nursing thesis students and Adviser/Assistant Professor IV, College of Nursing, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Email: Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of graduating students and their peers sexual practices SY: 2007-2008. Convenience nonrandom sampling was used to identify the 110 respondents in the different Colleges and Institutes in USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive tool such as frequency and percentages. Majority of the respondents were between 18-20 years old (60%), males (61.82%) and all single. Most of them were living in boarding houses during their study here in USM, their parents were either college graduates and or had reached college level. Majority of the respondents (75.45%) perceived that most people their age engaged in premarital sex, and that most of their friends (63.64%) also engaged in this act. They also perceived that condom (42.73%) was commonly used by their sexually active friends; while the use of other contraceptives by their peers (47.27%) was perceived as not commonly practiced. Peer/social pressure (34.55%) ranked highest as the reason why their friends practiced premarital sex; followed by the following: proving something to themselves (32.73%), on trend with time (11.82%), impress their peers (7.27%), curiosity, rebellion from parents, love, sexual pleasure and exercise (0.91%). Most of the respondents (40.91%) did not feel pressured by their peers to have sexual intercourse. On the degree of support felt by the respondents on their peers to practice sexual abstinence, 53.64% felt no support at all. More than half of the respondents were sexually active (53.64%) and their reasons were: proved something to themselves (49.l5%), peer/social pressure (20.34%), on trend with time (18.64%), impressed their peers (10.17%), sexual pleasure (8.47%), love (3.39%), sex completed a relationship, curiosity and exercise (0.91%). The 46.36% were not sexually active and their reasons were: afraid to get pregnant (43.14%), morally unacceptable (31.37%), discouragement from parents and friends (15.69%), afraid to have STD (13.73%) mortal sin (5.88%), not yet ready (3.92%), and dignity (1.69%). Key words: morality, premarital sex, sexual health, sexual permissiveness, sexually transmitted diseases Introduction Sexual behaviors or indulgence to sex among adolescents nowadays are one of the great concerns of our society. Sexual health refers to the many factors that have impact on sexual function and reproduction. These factors include a variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues. Disorders that affect any of these factors can have impact on a persons physical and emotional health, as well as his or her relationships and self-image. Unprotected sex and multiple sex partners are among the risky behaviors the youth nowadays have displayed. Sexual morality refers to the beliefs and practices by which a culture, group, faith, etc. regulate their members behavior in matter of sexual activities (Wikipedia 2007). Having sex for the first time at an early age is often associated with unsafe sex, in part through lack of knowledge, lack of access to contraception, lack of skills and self-efficacy to negotiate contraception, having sex while drunk, or inadequate self-efficacy to resist pressure (Donovan et al 1997). Such risky behaviors might result to unfavorable consequences like unwanted pregnancy, illegal abortion, and acquiring STD or the Sexually Transmitted Diseases through sexual contact (AEGIS 2000). These consequences entail lots of underlying problems. It is like a domino effect that often leads to guilt.

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According to Tumangday (2005) parents should be the primary source of their childrens knowledge and values about sex. Parents possess a great deal of knowledge about sexuality, but dont know how to answer every question about what their kids might ask. There is also a quotation that says If you dont teach your child about sex, who will? It is said that family is also the foundation of ones personality and perception. Today family influences come too weak and thus peers influences along with the media dominate most of the youth. Premarital sex (PMS) is indeed very rampant nowadays. Students tend to engage themselves in high-risk sexual behaviors. Irrational behaviors like this often result to guilt. World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease dysfunction or infirmity. Thus, good sexual health implies not only the absence of disease, but the ability to understand and weigh the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions, to be knowledgeable of and comfortable with ones body and to be free from coercion (Clark 2001). Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. Sexuality, in particular, is a major area of concern for adolescents and individuals or families of childbearing age (Pilliteri 2003). Sexuality is defined as the sum of the physical, functional, and psychologic attributes that are expressed by ones gender identity and sexual behavior, whether or not related to the sex organs or to procreation (Anderson & Anderson 2002). Therefore, sexuality entails how an individual act, feel and think regarding ones self when it comes to understanding gender role. Premarital sex is synonymous to the word fornication, the sexual intercourse between two people who are not married to each other (Anderson & Anderson 2002). For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected, and fulfilled. According to Clark (2001), peer group is an important factor in adolescent development and has some bearing on teenagers decision about sex. Adolescence is a period of exploration and experimentation, but young people often lack the knowledge, experience, and maturity to avoid the grave risks that confront them. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered many more motives for sexual intercourse, the researchers identified four major categories: physical, emotional, social, and psychological motives (Kienlen 2007). This study would be of potential use in determining the current status of students regarding sexual behavior.

Thus, it could contribute to the awareness of the school on the sexual status of students. This study may serve as basis for interventions to lessen the risks in such unfavorable actions of students. This study aimed to accomplish the following objectives: 1. To a s s e s s t h e s o c i o - d e m o g r a p h i c characteristics of the respondents. 2. To assess the perceptions of the respondents and their peers sexual practices and their peers reasons. 3. To determine the levels of pressure and support the respondents experience in their sexual health decision. 4. To determine the sexual practices and reasons of the respondents on their sexual health decision. Methodology Locale and respondents of the study This study was conducted among the graduating students selected from all Colleges and Institutes of USM Kabacan, Cotabato from August to November, SY: 2007-2008. The theoretical and conceptual framework shown in Fig 1 and 2.

Fig l. Theoretical Framework

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Fig 2. Conceptual Framework Sampling method The respondents were selected using convenience nonrandom sampling per College and Institute. After they were grouped by College, a total of 110 respondents were selected that is, with l0 respondents from each College and Institute. Data gathered Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data from the respondents. Some statements mentioned in the study questionnaire were patterned from the study of Fatusi (2005) study in Nigeria conducted among female undergraduates. The questionnaire requests no personal details of particular names and addresses of the respondents. The respondents were of confidentiality assured in writing, and participation was declared totally on voluntary basis. The questionnaire consisted of different sections that asked for information: socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, perceptions on peers sexual practices, levels of pressure felt by the respondents on their sexual health decision, and their own sexual practices and reasons with regards to their sexual health. Research design A descriptive-normative survey research design was used in this study. Methods of analysis The information gathered from the respondents were described and presented using frequency counts, tables, and percentages. Results and discussion Socio-demographic profile of the respondents (Table 1) Age, sex, civil status, type of residence The average age of the respondents was between 18-20 years old (60% or 66 respondents). The rest were between 2125 years old (40% or 44 respondents). These data showed that majority of the respondents were in the right age to decide for themselves and were legally responsible for their actions. Regarding their gender, men accounted for 61.82% (68 respondents) while 42 respondents (38.18%) were women. Regarding their civil status, all the respondents were single (100% or 110 respondents). This implies that the respondents were free of responsibilities compared to married couples. As for the respondents type of residence, 69 respondents (62.73%) lived in boarding houses, 29 respondents (26.36%) in their parents houses, eleven (10%) in their relatives houses and 1 respondent (0.91%) as working student lived in his employers house. Parents educational attainment The respondents had parents who were educated. Many of them (26.36% or 29 respondents) said that their fathers reached college level, 27 respondents (24.55%) had fathers who graduated from college. On the other hand, 33 respondents (30%) of the respondents mothers graduated from college, 24 respondents (21.82%) had mothers who reached college level, and 23 respondents had mothers who finished high school. Perception of USM graduating students on sexual practices of their peers Data revealed (Table 2) that 83 respondents (75.45%) believed that most people of their age had experienced sex before marriage. Twenty-seven other respondents (24.55%) perceived that most people in their age did not engage in premarital sex. This implies that sex before marriage is not an unknown activity or knowledge among USM graduating students. They were aware that premarital sex was practiced mostly by their age group. Regarding the respondents friends of their age as having sex before marriage, 70 (63.64%) of them perceived that their friends were sexually active. This showed that majority of the USM graduating students perceived that premarital sex was actually practiced by most of their friends especially during the college years. Sixty-three (57.20%) respondents perceived that the use of condom among their sexually active friends was common and 47 respondents (42.73%) perceived that their friends did not use condom as protection. With regards to the perception with the use of other contraceptives by their sexually active friends, 52 respondents (47.27%) said that their friends were using other contraceptives and 58 respondents (52.73%) said that their friends were not using any other contraceptives. Findings showed that the majority of the students perceived that their friends were mostly sexually active (63.64%). Majority of the respondents

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Table 1. Socio-demographic characteristics of the USM graduating student- respondents, 2007 - 2008. Characteristics Age Sex Frequency (N:110) 66 44 42 68 0 100 29 ll 69 1 4 5 27 29 3 17 15 4 6 0 9 33 24 2 23 11 3 5 Percentage 60 40 38.18 6r.82 0 100 26.36 10.00 62.73 0.91 3.64 4.55 24.55 26.36 2.73 15.45 13.64 3.64 5.45 0.00 8.18 30.00 21.82 1.82 20.91 10.00 2.73 4.55

l8-20 21-25

Female Male Civil Status Married Single Type of Residence Parents House Relatives House Boarding House Employers House Fathers Educational Attainment Doctorates Degree Masters Degree College Graduate College Level Vocational High School Graduate High School Level Elementary Graduate Elementary Level Mothers Educational Attainment Doctorates Degree Masters Degree College Graduate College Level Vocational High School Graduate High School Level Elementary Graduate Elementary Level

Table 2. Perception of USM graduating students of their peers on sexual practices, 2007-2008. Perception Frequency (N:110) Percentage 75.45 24.55 63.64 36.36 42.73 57.27 47.27 52.73

Most people of their age have sex before marriage. Yes 83 No 27 Most of their friends have sex before marriage. Yes 70 No 40 Common use of condom among their sexually active friends. Yes 47 No 63 Common use of other contraceptives by their sexually active friends. Yes 52 No 58

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perceived that some of their sexually active friends were not practicing or using contraceptives. This is an alarming finding since such actions predispose the students to developing STDs, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, and other consequences that may be linked to unsafe sex. On the other hand, 58 (52.73%) of the respondents perceived that other contraceptives were used by some of their sexually active friends. Reasons perceived why their peers engaged to premarital sex Most (34.55% or 38) of the respondents perceived that their peers reason on engaging in premarital sex were peer/social pressure (Table 3). The 36 respondents (32.73%) perceived that their peers reason was to prove something to them selves; 13 respondents (11.82%) perceived that their peers wanted to be on trend; eight respondents (7.27%) said that their friends wanted to impress their peers. Both curiosity and rebellion from parents got 6 responses (5 45%) of the reasons perceived by the respondents; four (3.64%) perceived love for partner as their peers reason. Enjoyment and sexual pleasure

had 2 responses (1.82%) each, and the reasons to experiment, exercise, and lust got 1 response each (0.91%). Peer pressure is tough to deal with especially when it comes to sex. Some teenagers decide to have sexual relationships because their friends think sex is cool. The perception rendered by the respondents supports this conceptual. Hence, in the interdependence mode of Roys Adaptation Model (1980), significant others and support systems are one of the stimuli that compose a response of an individual on his decision. This framework has been partially proven since only 38 respondents (34.55%) had chosen the reason. Others felt pressured by the persons they dated. Still others found it easier to give in and have sex than try to explain why not. Some teenagers got caught up in romantic feelings and believed having sex was the best way they can prove or demonstrate their love. (ASHA or American Social Health Association).

Table 3. Reasons perceived by the USM graduating students why they and their peers engaged to premarital sex, 2007-2008. Reason* (N=110) Peer/Social Pressure To impress their peers To prove something for their selves To be on trend Love Experiment Enjoyment Sexual pleasure Exercise Lust Curiosity Rebellion from parents Frequency 38 8 36 l3 4 1 2 2 1 1 6 6 Percentage 34.55 7.27 32.73 11.82 3.64 0.91 1.82 1.82 0.91 0.91 5.45 5.45

Degree of pressure and support felt by the USM graduating students from their peers for specific sexual health decisions Pressure from peers to have sexual intercourse Most of the respondents (45 or 40.91%) said that they did not feel pressured from their peers to have sexual intercourse, 32 respondents (29.09%) felt a little pressure, 19 (17.27%) felt moderate pressure while 14 respondents (12.73%) felt lots of pressure to be sexually active (Table 4). Based on the data gathered, the respondents somehow experienced pressures to have sexual intercourse.

This implies that the peers among USM graduating students were aware and were affected by topics regarding sexual intercourse. However, majority of the respondents were not pressured to do so. Support from peers for practice of sexual abstinence Most of the respondents (53.64% or 59) said that they experienced no support from peers on practice sexual abstinence, 27 respondents (24.54%) said that they felt a little support from peers, while 14 respondents (12.73%) said that they experienced moderate support, and 10 respondents (9.09%) felt lots of support to practice sexual abstinence (Table 5).

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Table 4. Degree of pressure felt by the USM graduating students engage in premarital sex, 2007-2008. Pressure from peers to have sexual intercourse No pressure at all A little pressure Moderate amount of pressure Lots of pressure Frequency (N=110) 45 32 19 14 Percentage 40.91 29.09 17.27 12.73

Table 5. Degree of support felt by USM graduating students to practice sexual abstinence, 2007-2008 . Support from peers to practice sexual abstinence No support at all A little support Moderate amount of support Lots of support According to the data, even if the respondents were not pressured that much to practice sexual intercourse, they were also not supported to practice sexual abstinence. Thus, contradicting points of view were identified. This may mean that the sexual health decision of the respondents did not solely depend on the pressures or support given by their peers. Such findings may indicate that the topics related to reproductive health, especially sexual health decision was not communicated and disclosed among most of the respondents. Actual sexual practices and reasons of the respondents Of the 110 graduating students included in the study, more than half or 59 respondents (53.64%) said that they were sexually active and 51 respondents (46.36%) said that they were not sexually active. Even though the number of the sexually active students was higher than those who were not sexually active their difference was minimal. Thus, there were still those students, who kept themselves in line with the moral norms of society. Sexual practice: active Among the 59 respondents who admitted that they were sexually active, various reasons were discovered: proving something for their own selves (49.15% or 29 respondents), peer social pressure (20 34% or 12 respondents), to be on trend with time (18.64% or 11 respondents), to impress their peers (10 17% or 6 respondents), sexual pressure (8.47% or 4 respondents), love (3.39% or 2 respondents), sex completes a relationship (1.69% or 1 respondent), curiosity (1.69% or 1 respondent), and exercise (1.69% or 1 respondent). Frequency (N:110) 59 27 14 10 Percentage 53.64 24.55 12.73 9.09

Proving something for themselves Examining the data on Table 5, reveals that proving something for their own selves was the major reason why they engaged in premarital sex, with a percentage of 49.15 (29 respondents). This implies that most sexually active students were looking for things that they thought boosted their sense of self-fulfillment outside of marriage. Peer/social pressure Peer/Social pressure (20 34% or 12 respondents) was also the reason for some sexually active respondents why they engaged in premarital sex. Students during this stage engaged in some peer/social groups such as barkadas, fraternities, sororities, and other organizations especially those found in campus (Table 6). To be on trend with time The reason to be on trend with time rank third with a percentage of 18.17% (11 respondents).This reason supports the students perception (Table 2) that most people of their age had sex before marriage (74 45% or 83 respondents). Students tended to engage in such activities because they think it is done by most people today and that they should go with the flow (Table 6). To impress their peers The fourth reason was to impress their peers with a percentage of 10.17% (6 respondents). Peer relations and formulating a sense of belonging, students does actions like this in order to impress their peers. This shows the importance of barkadas in the lives of some USM students. Conaco (2003), noted the importance in the lives of Filipino youth owing primarily to the social and emotional

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support that friends provide (Table 6). Sexual pleasure The reason for sexual pleasure had a percentage of 10.17% (4 respondents) of the total number of sexually actives. Some sexually active students claimed that they had experienced sex as enjoyable. This confirmed that students engaged in premarital sex for the benefit of extraordinary fun (Table 6). Love As the reason for their sexual activity had a percentage of 3.39% (2 respondents). This tells us that very few number of the students were into loving relationships in connection with sex and were establishing meaningful attachments to others. This also partly supported the virtue of love under intimacy as the adaptive response of an individual, which served as reason for sex indulgence (Table 6). Sex completes a relationship This reason had a percentage of 1.69% (1 respondent). This shows that sex for some students was an integral part of a relationship, one that kept and bound relationships (Table 6). Curiosity A percentage of 1.69% (1 respondent) perceived curiosity as a reason for sex (Table 6). This indicates that lack of knowledge or improper education to some students possibly made their own way of exploring through experimentation. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin discovered many motives for intercourse and identified 4 categories and under physical reason is curiosity (Kienlen 2007). Exercise For the reason of exercise, a percentage pf 1.69% {1 respondent) had been calculated (Table 6). Sex like exercise produces hormones that gives a great workout, lowers down cholesterol levels. Healthy sex can help a person live longer and slow down the aging process (Calabrese 2008). Sexual practice: not active Of the 110 respondents (Table 6)included in this study, 51 respondents said that they were not sexually active. Their reasons included: afraid to get pregnant or get someone pregnant (43.14% or 22 respondents), morally unacceptable (33.33% or 16 respondents), encouragement not to have sex from parents and friends (15.69% or 8 respondents), afraid to get STD (13.73% or 7 respondents), mortal sin (5.88% or 3 respondents), not yet ready (3 .92% 2 respondents), and for dignity (1.96% or 1 respondent). Afraid to get pregnant On their reasons, afraid to get pregnant or get someone pregnant ranked first with a percentage of 43. 14% or 22 respondents (Table 6). This tells us that there were still some students who kept in mind the possible consequences of engaging in premarital sex.

Morally unacceptable Morally unacceptable was the reason which ranked second with a percentage of 33.33% or 16 respondents. In our Philippine culture, premarital sex is taboo. This behavior is classified as deviant to the norms and morals of our society (Table 6). Encouragement from parents and friends Encouragement from parents and friends as a reason not to engage in premarital sex ranked third with a percentage of 15.69% or 8 respondents (Table 6). This implies that there were still students who were obedient to their parents and that their parents had strong influence specifically on their sexual health decision making. Afraid to have STD Afraid to have STD, on the other hand ranked fourth with a percentage of 13.73% or 7 respondents. This implies that some students took into consideration the possible diseases that they may acquire when they engaged in premarital sex or unprotected sexual intercourse (Table 6). Mortal sin Sex before marriage was a mortal sin is the reason of 3.39% or 3 respondents of those who were not sexually active. In both Christian and Islamic beliefs, premarital sex is a big sin. In this context, sex is perceived to as holy and should be done only by married couples (Table 6). Not yet ready The reason not yet ready ranked sixth with a percentage of 3.92% or 2 respondents. This means that there were still students, who were not yet ready emotionally, psychologically, spiritually or socially to take such actions (Table 6). Dignity This value ranked last with a percentage of 1.96% or 1 respondent. There were students however who placed a great value on their self-respect and esteem senses. They took into consideration how they saw themselves and how others would see them as whole respectable beings (Table 6). The attitude towards the use of contraceptives by sexually active students As to the students attitude towards the use of contraceptives by those who were sexually active sometimes ranked first with a percentage of 50.85% or 30 respondents, followed by never with a percentage of 28.81% or 17 respondents, and always with a percentage of 20.34% or 12 respondents (Table 7). With these findings it is clearly evident that many students were engaged in sexual intercourse unprotected. Such risky attitude predisposes students to some unfavorable consequences like unwanted pregnancy, abortion, STD, and the like.

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Table 6. Reasons of USM graduating students for their sexual health decision, 2007-2008. Reproductive Health Decision Sexually Active Reasons* Peer/Social pressure To impress their Peers To prove something for their selves To be on trend with Time Completes a relationship Sexual pleasure Love Curiosity Exercise Not Sexually Active Reasons* Afraid to get Pregnant Afraid to have STD Morally unacceptable Encouragement from parents and friends Not yet ready Mortal sin Dignity *multiple answers Frequency (N=59) 12 6 29 11 1 5 2 1 1 Frequency (N=51) 22 7 16 8 2 3 1 Percentage 20.34 10.17 49.15 18.64 1.69 8.47 3.39 1.69 1.69 Percentage 43.14 13.73 31.37 15.69 3.92 5.88 1.96 51 46.36 Frequency (N=110) 59 Percentage

53.64

Table 7. The attitude towards the use of contraceptives by those students who were sexually active, 2007-2008. Attitude Always Sometimes Never Frequency (N=59) 12 30 17 Percentage 20.34 50.85 28.81

Table 8. The use of contraceptives/technique by those students who were sexually active, 2007-2008. Contraceptive/Technique Used* Condom Pills Withdrawal Method Calendar Method Cortal and Coke *multiple answers Frequency (N:59) 29 4 24 2 1 Percentage 49.15 6.78 40.68 3.39 1.69

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The use of contraceptives/technique by sexually active students Of the 59 respondents (Table 8) who admitted that they were sexually active, a variety of contraceptives and techniques were identified: condom (49.15% or 29 respondents), withdrawal method (40.65% or 24 respondents), pills (6.78% or 4 respondents), calendar method (339% or 2 respondents), and surprisingly, Cortal tablet and coke (1.69% or l respondent). Condom The use of condom ranked first with a percentage of 49.15% or 29 respondents. This suggests that condom is the contraceptive of choice to many of the respondents as it is readily available in many stores. Withdrawal method Withdrawal method used among sexually active students had a percentage of 40.68% or 24 respondents. This clearly shows that a high percentage of sexually actives in the USM are at risk for some consequences of premarital sex as this method offers very little to no protection at all (Pillitteri 2003). Pills The use of pills among sexually actives was low with a percentage of 6.78% or 4 respondents. This shows that a pill is not the contraceptive of choice among the students of USM. Calendar method The technique of calendar method in preventing conception ranked fourth with a percentage of 3.39% or 2 respondents. However, a little number of respondents who were sexually active used this type of technique may be because of lack of knowledge pertaining to or even contraindicated the status of the womens menstruation. Cortal and Coke A surprising response to contraceptive/ technique of choice was also documented, the use of Cortal and coke. According to our findings the two were used simultaneously to induce abortion. Cortal is a brand of aspirin, a drug which may place the fetus at risk. This may be dangerous to both the woman and the baby as this may cause possible death of the mother and the fetus. Conclusions and recommendations Based on the results of this study, the following conclusions are inferred: 1. Majority of the respondents were of ages between 18-20 years old, males, and all single. Most of them lived in boarding houses during their study in USM. Most of their parents were college graduates and some had reached college level. 2. Majority (75.45% or 83 respondents) perceived that most people of their age engaged in premarital sex. They also perceived that most of their friends

(63.64% or 70 respondents) had engaged in sex. Common use of condom(42.73% or 47 respondents) among most of their sexually active friends was also perceived as their peers practice while the use of other contraceptives (47.72% or 52 respondents) were perceived as not commonly used. Peer/Social pressure (34.55% or 38 respondents) ranked highest as the reason why their friends practiced premarital sex; followed by, proving something to themselves (32.73% or 36 respondents), to be on trend with time (11.82% or 13 respondents), to impress their peers (7.27% or 8 respondents), and out of curiosity, rebellion from parents , love, sexual pleasure, and exercise (0.91% or 1). 3. Most of the respondents (40.91% or 45 respondents) did not feel pressure from their peers to have sexual intercourse. Some respondents (29.09% or 32 respondents) felt a little pressure and 17 .27% (19 respondents) felt moderate pressure, while 12.73% (14 respondents) felt lots of pressure. On the degree of support to practice sexual abstinence, 53.64% (59 respondents) felt no support at all; 24.55% (27 respondents) a little support; and 9.09% (10 respondents) felt lots of support. Contradicting points were identified. This may mean that students resentment to premarital sex did not fully depend on their peers, and 4. Finally, more than half of the respondents were found sexually active (53.64% or 59 respondents) and their reasons included: proving something to themselves (49.15% or 29 respondents), peer/ social pressure (20.34% or 12 respondents), to be on trend with time (18.64% or 11 respondents), to impress their peers (10.17 % or 6 respondents), sexual pleasure (8.47% or 5 respondents), love (3.39% or 2 respondents), sex completes a relationship (1.69% or 1 respondent) and exercise (1.69% or 1 respondent), while the 46.36% (51 respondents) were not sexually active and their reasons included afraid to get pregnant (43.13% or 22 respondents), morally unacceptable (31.37% or 16 respondents), encouragement from parents and friends not to engage in premarital sex (15.69% or 8 respondents), afraid to have STD (13.73% or 7 respondents), mortal sin (5.88% or 3 respondents), not yet ready (3.92% or 2 respondents) and, protected his/her dignity (1.96% or 1 respondent). Based on findings of this study, the following are the recommendations: 1. A deeper similar study along this area may be conducted not only to 4th year but the whole students of USM as well.

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2. The Office of Student Affairs may initiate a seminar program to students about their awareness on the importance of sexuality, reproductive health, and the morals of sexuality. 3. The Teen Center in the USM may strengthen its program on the awareness of sexuality; and 4. USM officials and faculty need to take more concern regarding the students indulgence in premarital sex. References Anderson K & Anderson LE. 2002. Mosbys Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health. 4th edition. Philippines: ELSEVIER (Singapore) PTE Ltd. Pp. 51 AEGIS. 2000. Glossary.http://www.aegis.com/pubs/ beta/1999/be990414.html ASHA, Sex on the Brain. http://www.iwannaknow. org/brain2/peerpressure.html Calabrese K. 2008. Sex is Exercise, Too. http://www. ediets.com/news/article.cfm/cmi_242742/code_ 30171 Clark S. 2001. Parents, Peers, and Pressures: Identifying the Influences on Sexual Conaco J. 2003. Filipino Adolescents in the Changing Times. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Center for Womens Studies and Philippine Center for Population and Development.

Donovan C, Mellanby AR, Jacobson LD, Taylor B, & Tripp JH. 1997. Teenagers views on the general practice and provision of contraception. Br J Gen Pract 47(424):715-718 Fatusi O. 2005. Perception of Peers Behaviour regarding Sexual Health Decision Making among Female Undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria. Health Decision-Making. http://www.socialworkers. org/practices/adolescenthealth/ah0202asp Kienlen L. 2007. Physical, Emotional, Social and psychological Motives for Intercourse. http://psychology. suite101.com/news/article.cfm/reasons_people_have_ sex Pilliteri A. 2003. Maternal and Child Health Nursing. 4th Edition. Philippines.& E Publishing, Inc. pp.63 Roy C. 1980. The Roy Adaptation Model, Conceptual Models for Nursing Pratice. Norwalk: Appleton, Century Crofts Tumangday M. 2005. Teaching Your Child about Sex. Health and Home 2005. WHO. 2005. Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health. http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/ asrh.htm WIKIPEDIA. 2007. Religion and sexuality. http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_sexuality

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