A study on reproductive health and psychosocial variables of school students

Rationale Recently, throughout the world, Reproductive Health Care is being considered as fundamental to the social and economic development of communities and nations as well as a key component for an equitable society. Realizing the significance and consequences, the Government of India has considered the reproductive health care of adolescents as a National Health Goal. Reproductive health is most important to general health of any individual and it is generally recognized as a, "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not the mere absence of disease or infirmity" (United Nations Population Information Network (POPIN)/UNFPA,2010) in all matters relating to reproductive system and its functions and processes. Reproductive health therefore implies that "people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so" (World Health Organization, 2004). Reproductive Health is affected during the life phases of infancy, childhood, adolescence and old age (Dhun, 1997; Jejeebhoy, 1996) and also affects quality of life and nutrition. Failure to cope with reproductive health problems at any stage in life determines one's later health, development and adjustment patterns. Reproductive Health Knowledge affects and is affected by the broader context of people's lives, including their economic circumstances, education, nutritional level, employment, living conditions and family environment, social and gender relationships and the traditional and legal structures within which they live. Currently, practitioners like psychologists, educationists, pediatricians, sociologists, counsellors, correctional officers and others have considered the importance of adolescent reproductive,