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Sunday, November 23, 2008, 01.31 AM

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News Focus: Knowledge not enough to change sexual behaviours

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They may also have heard about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but not necessarily how it is transmitted.

The study by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) in 2004 also revealed that only slightly more than half know of the human reproductive organs.

Though youths may know that babies don't come from storks, only three out of five male youths know about their reproductive organs, and only half of female youths are aware of theirs.

A significant number of male youths than females have read, seen and watched pornographic materials in magazines and over the Internet.

"The Internet does have its positive aspects, but parents should not be too trusting and too naive. They should pay more attention to their children's activities," said LPPKN director-general Aminah Abdul Rahman.

The survey also notes that 1 in 10 youths is not against homosexuality. Interestingly, when compared to the males, more female youths know of someone who is attracted to the same sex.

However, less than one percent of those surveyed admit to being attracted to members of their own sex.

The survey also found that teenage girls are more aware of sexually-transmitted diseases and family planning compared to their male peers.

But knowledge alone is not enough. An analysis on the US sex education programmes and evaluation methods shows that skill-building, problem solving and communication-based programmes are more successful in changing the sexual behaviours among youths.

To that end, LPPKN has been working together with several non-governmental organisations around the country in order to reach out to young adolescents in schools and colleges.

"The NGOs have a better link with the people as they work on the ground, and they are willing to share their information and resources.

"The only way to tackle the problem is through collective effort. Many things are being done, but it is obviously not enough," said Aminah.