Sexual Abstinence Among Filipino Seafarers in International Ships

ABSTRACT: Abstinence from sexual intercourse is an important behavioral strategy for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy among adolescents. Many seafarers, including younger seamen, have not initiated sexual intercourse and many sexually experienced adolescents and young adults are abstinent for varying periods of time. There is broad support for abstinence as a necessary and appropriate part of sexuality education. Controversy arises when abstinence is provided to seafarer as a sole choice and where health information on other choices is restricted or misrepresented. Although abstinence is theoretically fully effective, in actual practice abstinence often fails to protect against pregnancy and STIs. Although abstinence is a healthy behavioral option for seafarer, abstinence as a sole option for seamen is scientifically and ethically problematic. A recent emphasis on abstinence-only programs and policies appears to be undermining more comprehensive sexuality education and other government-sponsored programs. We believe that abstinence-only education programs, as defined by federal funding requirements, are morally problematic, by withholding information and promoting questionable and inaccurate opinions. Abstinence-only programs threaten fundamental human rights to health, information, and life.

KEYWORDS: Maritime Education and Training (MET), Maritime Safety, Human Element, Seafarers, Health and Safety, Behavioral Studies, Social Conditions, Psychological Factors

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Citation note:

Alimen R.A., Tiansay D.J.A., Araullo D.L., Bolaño J.P.C., Catedral II V.L., Lirazan J.W.T., Paguntalan J.A.L., Sables J.A., Sotto A.S., Abisado R.R.H.: Sexual Abstinence Among Filipino Seafarers in International Ships. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 18, No. 4, doi:10.12716/1001.18.04.24, pp. 959-967, 2024

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