Knowledge and Perception of Risk and Preventive Behaviour towards Premarital Sexual Practice among Young Adults in Malaysia.

Introduction: Sexual activity in Malaysia, encompassing premarital intercourse and baby abandonment, remains a contentious and alarming issue. Challenges include an increase in illegitimate children, abortions, and baby abandonment due to insufficient awareness of preventive measures. As a result, there is an urgent requirement for comprehensive sex education programmes that tackle STIs and the repercussions of risky sexual behaviors. This study seeks to explore the knowledge levels and perceptions related to risk and preventive measures among young adults in Malaysia concerning premarital sexual behaviors, HIV, STDs, condom usage, pregnancy, and abortion. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 379 young adults ages 18 to 39 population in Malaysia. The objective was to evaluate their knowledge and perception concerning risk and preventive behaviors associated with premarital sexual practices, HIV, STDs, condom usage, pregnancy, and abortion. To gather data, we utilised online questionnaires. The data underwent analysis utilising SPSS software, where descriptive statistics were employed to transform the data into percentages (%) and frequencies (n). Additionally, the Chi-square test was employed to evaluate two-category data and establish correlations. Results: The study found that knowledge about risk and preventive behaviors for premarital sexual activity is lacking, with 45% having poor knowledge. No one had good knowledge. In terms of perception, 5% had poor perception, 52% moderate, and 43% good perception. Conclusion: There is an association between the level of knowledge, perceptions, and demographic data. The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness to promote safer premarital sexual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]