There is a high prevalence of irresponsible sexual behavior among college students in Bhutan, according to research conducted by a group of lecturers from Paro College of Education.
The findings were presented in a two-day international seminar on sex education conducted at the Paro College of Education. It took the lecturers eight months to finish the research in 10 colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan
One of the researchers, Dechen Tshomo said engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners and having extra-marital affairs were happening despite students having full knowledge of the repercussions.
“… These young people do not use precautions, so that puts them at risks. They are at risks and they also put other people at risk,” said Dechen Tshomo.
Dechen Tshomo says one of the main catalysts is alcohol which is freely available to the students.
“All the colleges have so many bars and shops selling alcohol just next to the colleges. So it is easily accessible. These young people, under the influence of alcohol, don’t know what they are doing.”
Other contributing factors, according to the findings, are peer pressure and financial need.
Another interesting finding revealed that study participants engaged in sex at a young age, most before high school.
The two-day sexuality education seminar ended yesterday.
