AWARENESS OF RISKY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: PROTECT YOURSELF, PROTECT YOUR FUTURE

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are a vulnerable group in the context of social development, particularly regarding risky behaviors such as premarital sex, substance abuse, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to recent national data, approximately 30% of STI cases in Indonesia occur among individuals aged 15–24, most of whom are unmarried. The lack of adequate knowledge, parental supervision, and values-based education contributes significantly to adolescents’ susceptibility to these risks. Therefore, early and structured sexual health education is essential to equip adolescents with the awareness and knowledge necessary to protect themselves. Method: This community service program was conducted at SMPN 10 Banjarmasin, targeting 38 seventh-grade students. The intervention involved a health education session on the dangers of risky social interactions and STIs. Educational methods included interactive lectures, group discussions, and the distribution of informative leaflets. Students' knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The average pre-test score was 77.37%, which significantly increased to 94.74% in the post-test—reflecting a 17.37 percentage point improvement. All students met the passing threshold (≥60%) after the session. Additionally, the number of students achieving a perfect score of 100% rose from 4 to 17, indicating strong comprehension and retention of the material. Discussion: The results confirm that interactive, age-appropriate health education effectively enhances adolescent knowledge and awareness. The use of participatory methods promoted student engagement and facilitated meaningful learning. This program reinforces the value of early school-based interventions in preventing risky behaviors and promoting adolescent reproductive health.