A Study of the Sexual Behaviors of a Selected Group of Filipino College Students in Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Dormitories in Manila

Abstract

The changing values of Filipinos towards sexuality and sexual behaviors were influenced by the increasing demands in modernization, globalization and advancements in technology. A heightened increase in sexual activity among adolescents places the individual at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. In line with this, this study concerning sexual behaviors of the Filipino late adolescent aimed to explore their sexual fantasies, sexual habits such as masturbation and coitus, and the STD preventive measures they used. Data was gathered among Filipino college students residing in various dormitories along the University Belt in the City of Manila through a survey questionnaire. The research variables were analyzed according to gender and type of dormitory using Chi-square nonparametric tool of analysis. ; The results of the study showed that sexual fantasies, sexual habits such as masturbation and coitus, and preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases “were highly to moderately prevalent among the Filipino late adolescents. Specifically, there were 82.7 percent of prevalence for sexual fantasies, 60.8 percent of prevalence for masturbation, and 47.4 percent of prevalence for coitus. Significantly, sexual fantasies were the most prevalent sexual behavior. Age of onset for each sexual behavior was relatively young, starting ¢1 an approximate age of between 14 and 16 years old. The rate of recurrence was not too frequent, ranging from once to thrice a week (sexual fantasies and masturbation) to once a month or less (coitus). Sexual behaviors were influenced mainly by media and peers. Almost all Filipino late adolescents (92.2%) who engaged in coitus used preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases, such as condom. Gender differences were clearly defined by the cultural norms and males and females differ in their sexual practices on certain aspects. Males were found to be the more sexually inclined and more sexually active gender. Filipino late adolescents residing in non-exclusive dormitories were also significantly found to be more sexually active, as compared to the adolescents who reside in exclusive dormitories The results also showed that Filipino late adolescents who participated in the study have become increasingly aware of the risks attached to their sexual behaviors. They made use of specific measures in order to prevent the transmission and acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases.