Prevalence of Sexual Intention and its Associated Factors Among Youths in Samarahan District, Sarawak
Syakinah Binti Mohamed1, Deburra Peak Ngadan2
1Dr. Syakinah Mohamed, Department of Public Health, University Malaysia of Sarawak, Malaysia (Sarawak), Malaysia.
2Dr. Deburra Peak Ngadan, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, University Malaysia of Sarawak, Kota Samarahan (Sarawak), Malaysia.
Manuscript received on 01 June 2026 | Revised Manuscript received on 08 June 2026 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 June 2026 | Manuscript published on 30 June 2026 | PP: 9-13 | Volume-6 Issue-4, June 2026 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.D411406040626 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.D4114.06040626
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Abstract: Sexual intention is an important predictor of sexual behaviour and sexual risk-taking among youths. Understanding the determinants of sexual intention is essential for developing effective sexual and reproductive health interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual intention and its associated factors among youths in Samarahan District, Sarawak. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 youths aged 18–24 years in Samarahan District, Sarawak. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework. Variables assessed included socio-demographic characteristics, youth attitudes, perceived social norms, selfefficacy, internet pornography usage, sexual intention, and sexual risk behaviour. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chisquare tests, and correlation analysis. The mean age of respondents was 21.31 years (SD = 1.80). Sexual activity prevalence among respondents was 6.3%. Ethnicity and religion were significantly associated with sexual intention, whereby Malay and Muslim youths were less likely to report sexual intention. Youths with more permissive attitudes and higher self-efficacy scores were more likely to report sexual intention. Internet pornography usage was significantly associated with sexual intention. Sexual intention was also significantly associated with sexual risk behaviour. Sexual intention among youths in Samarahan District was significantly associated with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, particularly permissive attitudes, religion, ethnicity, and internet pornography usage. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and comprehensive sexual health programmes that address behavioural attitudes, digital media exposure, and safe sexual practices among youths.
Keywords: Sexual Intention, Youths, Sexual Risk Behaviour, Internet Pornography, Sarawak, Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Scope of the Article: Pharmacy Practice (pharmacist)