The Relationship between Knowledge Level and Reproductive Health Triad Prevention Behavior in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents represent a population highly vulnerable to reproductive health risks, particularly the Adolescent Reproductive Health Triad (Triad KRR), which encompasses risky sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse. National data reported 63,707 new HIV cases and 18,474 substance-abuse rehabilitation admissions in 2024, while a preliminary survey at the study site found that 70% of students lacked understanding of Triad KRR prevention and no adolescent reproductive health counseling unit (PIK-R) was yet available at the school. This study aimed to examine the relationship between knowledge level and Triad KRR prevention behavior among tenth-grade students at SMKN Bungursari, Purwakarta Regency, in 2026. A quantitative analytic-survey design with a cross-sectional approach was employed, involving 60 tenth-grade students selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated 20-item knowledge questionnaire and a 10-item Guttman-scale behavior questionnaire, then analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The results showed that more than half of the respondents (55%) had insufficient-to-moderate knowledge of the Triad KRR (45% moderate, 10% insufficient), while the majority (60%) demonstrated good prevention behavior. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test yielded no statistically significant association between knowledge and behavior (p = 0.269). It was concluded that no significant relationship existed between knowledge level and Triad KRR prevention behavior among tenth-grade students, indicating that knowledge alone is not a sufficient determinant of protective behavior. Establishing a school-based adolescent reproductive health counseling unit (PIK-R) is recommended to provide structured education and reinforce preventive behavior among students.