Purpose: Adolescents obtain information about sex from the media and friends and so on. This study explores the influence and needs of sex-related information from mass media and other resources.
Methods: Thirteen Focus Group Interviews were conducted with 88 high school and university students (46 female/42 male) from August 2001 to February 2002.
Results: Friends or seniors are the most important source of information, and adolescents felt much peer pressure by such information while they learned STD prevention and contraception. The participants were aware of the inconsistencies and biases of information they get through the media. They thought women's magazines seriously treated sex as a health issue concerning women, and provided useful information.
Conclusions: Influences the media has on the knowledge and awareness of young people are significant. It is crucial to fill the gap between the intention of the transmitter of information and the needs of the audience so that the media can be better utilized for sexual health promotion. (c) 2005 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.