Page 8 - Technical Report: ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN MALAYSIA: A SCOPING REVIEW

ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN MALAYSIA:

A SCOPING REVIEW

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In general, adolescence is an opportune period to develop healthy sexual and
reproductive behaviours and lifestyles. During adolescence, a person develops the
physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and economic resources that serve as the
foundation for later life, health, and well-being (Patton et al., 2016). Furthermore, it is a
time of ongoing physical, mental, and social change, as well as a period when many
individuals will begin to explore their sexuality and develop relationships with others.

Adolescence is a vital life stage in which individuals must have the opportunity to
develop the skills necessary to attain their full potential in maintaining a healthy and
fulfilling life (Ki Moon, 2016). Adolescent development occurs amid a complex web of
influences from family, peers, school, neighbourhood, media, and larger societal
influences (Patton et al., 2016). Furthermore, the health outcome of sexual health well-
being is to improve positive decision-making abilities in coping with risks and protective
factors associated with psychosocial development. However, they are easily influenced
during the early stages of adolescence, and the negative effects include health, social,
and economic impact on the country.

If global health targets are to be attained, each of these public health sectors must
pay more attention to adolescence (Sawyer et al., 2012). Adolescence, for example, is
critical to the success of many global health initiatives, including the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), in ensuring healthy lives and fostering well-being at all ages
(United Nations [UN], 2020). A multitude of local studies have been conducted in
Malaysia to study and investigate the issues, outcome, and factors associated with
adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH).

However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been only one comprehensive
evaluation of ASRH in Malaysia, which was published by WHO (WHO, 2007). As a result,
the purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive evidence on trends, associated
factors, cognitive, affective, and behavioural factors, and interventions that can guide
future research and develop a better understanding of ASRH in Malaysia in order to
improve and strengthen adolescent health services.

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