959

1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Abstinence can mean different things to different

people. Some teens may understand abstinence to

mean avoiding any type of sexual contact. Others may

believe that oral and anal intercourse count as

abstinence because these behaviors do not lead to

pregnancy. To add to the confusion, many curricula

do not clearly define abstinence.

Abstinence is a fancy word for choosing not to do

something. For instance, you would be choosing to

abstain if you decided to try doing without chocolate

for a month. When people decide to abstain from

something, it may be a temporary or longer-term

decision. They might decide they will abstain from

cigarettes forever. Of course, they may still change

their minds at some point, but for now, at least, they

are very sure it is a permanent choice. Other times,

people will decide to abstain temporarily. A person

can choose to abstain at any point in their life, even if

they haven’t abstained in the past.

Sexual abstinence (also known as continence) or

sexual restraint is the practice of refraining from some

or all aspects of sexual activity for medical,

psychological, legal, social, financial, philosophical,

moral or religious reasons. Asexuality is distinct from

sexual abstinence; and celibacy is sexual abstinence

generally motivated by factors such as an individual's

personal or religious beliefs. Sexual abstinence before

marriage is required in some societies by social

Sexual Abstinence Among Filipino Seafarers in

International Ships

R.A. Alimen, D.J.A. Tiansay, D.L. Araullo, J.P.C. Bolaño, V.L. Catedral II, J.W.T. Lirazan,

J.A.L. Paguntalan, J.A. Sables, A.S. Sotto & R.R.H. Abisado

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Iloilo City, Philippines

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.

http://www.transnav.eu

the International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 18

Number 4

December 2024

DOI: 10.12716/1001.18.04.24

960

norms, or, in some countries, even by laws. There is

often a double standard in regard to female and male

sexual abstinence.

Sexual abstinence may be voluntary (when an

individual chooses not to engage in sexual activity

due to moral, religious, philosophical, etc. reasons), an

involuntary result of social circumstances (when one

cannot find sexual partners), or legally mandated (e.g.

in countries where sexual activity outside marriage is

illegal, in prisons etc.).

1.1 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theory of Self-Efficacy by Bandura is the

theoretical framework of this study. According to

Albert Bandura, self Efficacy is “the belief in one’s

capabilities to organize and execute the courses of

action required to manage prospective situations. “In

other words, self-efficacy is a person’s belief in his or

her ability to succeed in a particular situation.

Bandura described these beliefs as determinants of

how people think, and feel (1994).

Since Bandura published his seminal 1977 paper,

“Self-Efficacy: Towards Unifying Theory of

Behavioral Change,” the subject has become one of

the most stuied topics in psychology. Why has self-

efficacy become such an important topic among

psychologist and educators? As Bandura and other

researchers have demonstrated, self-efficacy can have

an impact on everything from psychological states to

behavior to motivation. However, most people also

realize that putting these plans into action is not quite

so simple. Bandura and others have found that an

individual’s self-efficacy plays a major role in how

goals, tasks, and challenges are approached. People

with a strong sense of self-efficacy: View challenging

problems as task to be mastered; Develop deeper

interest in the activities in which they participate;

From a stronger sense of commitment to their interest

ad activities; Recover quickly from setbacks and

disappointments;

On the other hand, people with a weak sense of

self-efficacy: Avoid challenging tasks; Believe that

difficult task and situations are beyond their

capabilities; Focus on personal failings and negative

outcomes; Quickly lose confidence in personal

abilities.

1.2 THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The research paradigm in Figure I represents the

conceptual framework of the study. The diagram

showed the relationships among variables age, civil

status, year at sea and rank which affects the sexual

abstinence among seafarer.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study determines the sexual abstinence among

seafarer.

Specifically, the study sought answer to the

following question:

6. What is sexual abstinence as viewed by seafarers?

7. What is the level of sexual abstinence among

seafarers when classified according to age, civil

status, and year at sea and rank?

8. Are there significant differences in the level of

sexual abstinence among seafarers when classified

according to age, civil status, and year at sea and

rank?

Based on the preceding problems, the following

hypotheses were formulated: There are no significant

differences in the sexual abstinence among seafarers

when as a whole group and when classified according

to age, civil status, and years at sea and rank.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study would be beneficial to the following:

The Seafarer. The seafarer would benefit from this

study in a sense that the result would help them to be

aware of their sexual needs and be able to cope with

such behavioral need.

The Students taking maritime courses. They will

benefit from the information that will educate them

about the dangers and effects of HIV to their health.

In this case they can take precautionary measures

before it is too late.

1.5 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

For better understanding of this study, the following

terms are defined and given conceptual and

operational meaning:

Marine Engineering- refers to the engineering of

boats, ships, oil rigs and any other marine vessel or

structure (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_engineering)

Abstinence is a self-enforced restraint from

indulging in bodily activities that are widely

experienced as giving pleasure

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstinence)

Sexual abstinence - (also known as continence) or

sexual restraint is the practice of refraining from some

or all aspects of sexual activity for medical,

psychological, legal, social, financial, philosophical,

moral or religious reasons.(

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abstinence)

Student is a learner, or someone who attends an

educational institution

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students)

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study determined the sexual abstinence among

seafarers. The seafarers were grouped according to

age, civil status, and year at sea and rank. The

participants of this study were the 50 seafarers who

are currently reviewing and/or upgrading at JBLFMU-

Molo Training Center.

961

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The ancient world discouraged promiscuity for both

health and social reasons. According to Pythagoras

(6th century BCE) sex should be practiced in the

winter, but not the summer, but was harmful to male

health in every season because the loss of semen was

dangerous, hard to control and both physically and

spiritually exhausting, but had no effect on females.

This idea may have been merged with Zoroastrian

ideas of good and evil in a philosophy known as

Gnosticism, which influenced Christian and Islamic

attitudes to sexual activity.

Throughout history, and especially prior to the

20th century, there have been those who have held

that sexual abstinence confers numerous health

benefits. For males, lack of abstinence was thought to

cause a reduction of vitality. In modern times, the

argument has been phrased in biological terms,

claiming that loss of semen through ejaculation results

in a depletion of vital nutrients such as lecithin and

phosphorus, which are also found at high levels in the

brain. Conservation of the semen allegedly allows it to

be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream and aid in

the healthy development of the body. Along these

lines, the noted German philosopher Friedrich

Nietzsche spoke of the positive physiological effects

of abstinence: "The reabsorption of semen by the

blood ... perhaps prompts the stimulus of power, the

unrest of all forces towards the overcoming of

resistances ... The feeling of power has so far mounted

highest in abstinent priests and hermits" (quoted by

Walter Kaufman in his classic, Nietzsche: Philosopher,

Psychologist, Antichrist, p. 222). Before the "sexual

revolution" of the 1960s, it was commonly believed by

members of the medical profession that numerous

mental and physical diseases in men were caused

primarily by loss of nutrients through seminal

discharge, and that the deliberate conservation of this

substance would lead to increased health, vitality, and

intellectual prowess. This also applied to

masturbation, which were also thought to lead to

bedwetting and hairy palms.

Some advantages in favor of sexual abstinence

were also claimed by Walter Siegmeister, better

known as Dr. Raymond W. Bernard A.B., M.A., PhD,

an early 20th-century American alternative health,

esoteric writer, author and mystic, who formed part of

the alternative reality subculture. In his essay entitled

Science discovers the physiological value of

continence (1957) he states:

"It is clear that there is an important internal

physiological relation between the secretions of the

sex glands and the central nervous system, that the

loss of these secretions, voluntarily or involuntarily,

exercises a detrimental effect on the nutrition and

vitality of the nerves and brain, while, on the other

hand, the conservation of these secretions has a

vitalizing effect on the nervous system, a regenerating

effect on the endocrine glands, and a rejuvenating

effect on the organism as a whole."

Historically, there has been a swing from the

sexually liberal end of the Industrial Revolution to the

chaste values of the early Victorian period. This was

then followed by a new Puritanism from the late

Victorian era to the mid-1900s.This important

transformation often colors discussion of sexual

behavior in the later 20th century. World War I began

a return to sexual freedom and indulgence, but more

often than not, the appearance of conforming to the

earlier moral values of abstinence before marriage

was retained. With the conclusion of World War II,

the societal importance of abstinence declined swiftly.

The advent of the first oral contraceptive pill and

widely available antibiotics suppressed many

consequences of wide and free sexual behavior, while

social morals were also changing. By the 1970s,

abandonment of premarital chastity was no longer

taboo in the majority of western societies, and the

reverse became true. To have experienced a number

of sexual partners before marriage became the new

norm. Some cultural groups continued to place a

value on the moral purity of an abstainer, but

abstinence was caught up in a wider reevaluation of

moral values.

During the early 20th century, prominent feminist

and birth control advocate Margaret Sanger argued

that abstinence from sexual activity led to greater

endurance and strength, and was a sign of the best of

the species:

"Though sex cells are placed in a part of the

anatomy for the essential purpose of easily expelling

them into the female for the purpose of reproduction,

there are other elements in the sexual fluid which are

the essence of blood, nerve, brain, and muscle. When

redirected in to the building and strengthening of

these, we find men or women of the greatest

endurance and greatest magnetic power. A girl can

waste her creative powers by brooding over a love

affair to the extent of exhausting her system, with the

results not unlike the effects of masturbation and

debauchery."

3 SEXUAL ABSTINENCE BEFORE MARRIAGE

3.1 Premarital chastity

In most cultural, ethical, and religious contexts, sex

within marriage is not considered to be contrary to

notions of chastity. Some religious systems prohibit

sexual activities between a person and anyone other

than a spouse of that person, as have, in the past, legal

systems and societal norms. In such contexts, sexual

abstinence was prescribed for unmarried individuals

for the purpose of chastity. Chastity has been used as

a synonym for sexual abstinence, but they are similar

but different behavior and restrictions.

3.2 Legal issues

In some countries any sexual activity outside

marriage is illegal. Such laws are mostly tied to

religion and the legal and political traditions within

the particular jurisdiction. Laws differ greatly from

country to country.

In some Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia,

Pakistan,Afghanistan, Iran, Kuwait, Maldives,

Morocco ,Oman, Mauritania ,United Arab Emirates,

962

Qatar, Sudan, Yemen, any form of sexual activity

outside marriage is illegal.

3.3 Violence

In some parts of the world, women and girls

suspected of having premarital sex can become

victims of honor killings committed by their families.

Stoning for sexual activity outside marriage is also a

punishment in some places.

3.4 Abstinence-only sex education in the United States

Abstinence-only sex education is a form of sex

education that teaches abstinence from sex, and often

excludes many other types of sexual and reproductive

health education, particularly regarding birth control

and safe sex. Education programs which focus

exclusively on abstinence have hardly been shown to

delay sexual activity. Such programs promote sexual

abstinence until marriage and often condemn the use

of contraceptives. Comprehensive sex education, by

contrast, covers the use of contraceptives as well as

abstinence.

Organizations such as SIECUS have called

abstinence-only programs "fear-based," and "designed

to control young people’s sexual behavior by instilling

fear, shame, and guilt." Author Judith Levine has

argued that there might be a natural tendency of

abstinence educators to escalate their messages: "Like

advertising, which must continually jack up its

seduction just to stay visible as other advertising

proliferates, abstinence education had to make sex

scarier and scarier and, at the same time, chastity

sweeter." (Harmful to Minors, p. 108)

In spite of these criticisms, federal government

support has made abstinence the de facto focus of sex

education in the United States, so that opponents

frequently adopt the line that abstinence education is

acceptable only if it is combined with other methods,

such as instruction in the use of condoms, and easy

availability thereof. Most nations of Western Europe

use more comprehensive measures, and in sharp

contrast to the heated discussion in the U.S.,

abstinence is hardly discussed as an educational

measure.

A U.S. federal government-promoted abstinence-

only program was aimed at teens in 1981 in order to

discourage premarital sex and unwanted pregnancies.

However, recent studies conducted by Mathematica

Policy Research, showed ineffectiveness of this

program. The Responsible Education About Life Act

was introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)

and Representatives Barbara (D-CA) and Christopher

Shays (R-CT) to support age-appropriate sexual

education. This program is focused to provide

teenagers with science-based information on sexual

health, so that they can make a sound decision

regarding their sex-life.

In 2006, the George W. Bush administration

expanded abstinence programs from teens to adults,

by introducing programs to encourage unmarried

adults to remain abstinent until marriage. Family-

planning advocates and researchers denounced the

program as unrealistic, due to the rising age of first-

time marriage in the United States.

In 2010, University of Pennsylvania researchers

released a model study showing that abstinence

programs can be effective. The study randomly

assigned some middle-school students to an eight-

hour abstinence curriculum and others to sex-ed

programs that included contraceptives and mixed

messages. Penn researchers found that the abstinence-

only offering reduced subsequent sexual activity by

one-third more than other programs.

3.5 Popularity and effectiveness

The advent of AIDS helped build a more favorable

view of abstinence. However, a review of 13 U.S. sex-

abstinence programs involving over 15,000 people by

Oxford University found that they do not stop risky

sexual behavior, or help in the prevention of

unwanted pregnancy. Recently, the United States

Congress also found similar results in a study

conducted by Mathematica Policy Research on

abstinence. Currently, there are also issues as to what

abstinence means: is it abstinence from sexual

intercourse, or from sexual behavior? Movements

such as True Love Waits in America, which ask

teenagers to refrain from sex before marriage, are

heavily subscribed, but surveys of sexual behavior

indicate an increase in the popularity of oral sex.

3.6 Chastity in religions

Some religions regard Chastity as a virtue expected of

faithful adherents. This usually includes abstinence

from sex for the unmarried, and fidelity to a marriage

partner. In some religions, some groups of people are

expected to remain unmarried and to abstain from sex

completely. These groups include, nuns, and priests in

various sects of Hinduism, Buddhism and

Christianity. Chastity is required of the respective

sacerdotal orders. The Shakers, on the other hand,

impose chastity in the form of celibacy for all

members, even forgoing procreation such as the case

with the castration cult.

3.6.1 Christianity

Many Christians teach that sexual intercourse is

meant to take place within the context of marriage,

and that sexual abstinence is the norm outside of that.

But for married couples, Paul of Tarsus wrote that

they should not deprive each other, except for a short

time for devotion to prayer.

Catholicism defines chastity as the virtue that

moderates the sexual appetite. Unmarried Catholics

express chastity through sexual abstinence. Sexual

intercourse within marriage is considered chaste

when it retains the twofold significance of union and

procreation.

The Orthodox Church teaches chastity until

marriage. But even then, in accordance with the

teaching of the Apostle Paul, periods of abstinence are

encouraged among married couples. Traditionally,

Orthodox spouses abstain from physical relations on

Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays the eves of Great

963

Feasts and throughout the four lenten periods (Great

Lent. Nativity Fast, Apostles' Fast and Dormition

Fast).

3.6.2 Judaism

Judaism forbids intercourse outside marriage

(which is termed zenuth or promiscuity), but has no

ideal of chastity. Within marriage abstinence is also

required during and following a woman's

menstruation. The husband is not allowed to deprive

sex from his wife, even if she is not fertile (known as

mitzvat 'onah').

3.6.3 Islam

Islam forbids intercourse outside of marriage; like

Judaism the term is Zina/ Zena. however, maintaining

celibacy as an act of piety is not mentioned, while

marriage for all who are able is strongly encouraged.

Abstinence is practiced during the time of a woman’s

menstruation. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is

also practiced from dawn to dusk during days where

fasting is observed. Also in the time of Hajj people are

not allowed to have sexual relationships, because their

body has to stay pure while performing pilgrimage.

3.6.4 Hinduism

The Hindu tradition of Brahmacharya places great

emphasis on abstinence as a way of harnessing the

energy of body and mind towards the goal of spiritual

realization. In males, the semen (Veerya) is considered

sacred, and its preservation (except when used for

procreation) and conversion into higher life-energy

(Ojas) is considered essential for the development of

enhanced intellectual and spiritual capacities.

The blending of sexual and spiritual is portrayed

in Hindu iconography, as seen in ubiquitous phallic

and vaginal iconography in Hindu temples and for

instance in the Kharjuraho and Konarak medieval

temples, where thousands of couples having sex in

endless positions, and with the gods, are carved in

deep bas-relief. However, these depictions of sex are

not generally understood to be a license for free

sexual practices, but are instead meant to celebrate

procreation as an integral part of existence in the

universe. In actual practice, there is a strong societal

taboo against pre-marital sex for both males and

females, which still exists today in Hindu cultures.

3.7 Chastity belt

A chastity belt is a locking item of clothing

designed to prevent sexual intercourse. They may be

used to protect the wearer from rape or temptation.

Some devices have been designed with additional

features to prevent masturbation. Chastity belts have

been created for males and females, ostensibly for the

purpose of chastity.

4 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

4.1 Purpose of the study and research design

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the level of

sexual abstinence among seafarers.

The descriptive research was used in this study.

This refers to the method used to describe data and

characteristics used to describe the population. The

purpose of using the descriptive research method is to

acquire accurate, factual, systematic data that can

provide you with an actual picture of the data set that

you are reviewing. It is advice that the descriptive

research method should not be used to create a causal

relationship, where one variable affects the other. As

it is said to have a low requirement for internal

validity. (www.ask.com/question/descriptive-

research-method-definition)

4.2 Research instrument

The instrument used to gather data on the reason of

being abstinence among seafarer was the

questionnaire.

4.3 The Research Respondents

The participants of this study were the seafarers

currently upgrading professionally through trainings

at JBLFMU-Molo. The respondents are fifty (50)

seafarers. They were categorized as to name, age, civil

status, rank and years at sea.

Table 1 shows the distribution of the respondents.

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents as to Certain

Categories

________________________________________________

Category f %

________________________________________________

A. Entire Group 45 100

B. Age

20-30 years old 27 60.00

31 years old up 18 40.00

C. Civil Status

Single 29 64.40

Married 16 35.60

D. Years at Sea

1-10 years 30 66.70

11-20 years 11 24.4

21 years up 4 8.9

E. Rank

2/E 2 4.40

3/E 5 11.10

4/E 3 6.70

Apprentice 3 6.70

Oiler 1 2.20

C/E 2 4.40

3/M 2 4.40

Wiper 1 2.20

Bosun 1 2.20

2/M 2 4.40

E/C 17 37.80

Captain 1 2.20

1/E 1 2.20

A/B 1 2.20

A/E 2 4.40

O/S 1 2.20

________________________________________________

964

4.4 Data Gathering Instrument

The instruments used to gather data on the sexual

abstinence among the seafarers was the questionnaire.

According to Good, Barr and Scates, a questionnaire is

a form prepared and distributed to secure responses

to certain questions. As a general rule, these questions

are practical and intended to obtain information about

conditions and practices of which the respondent is

presumed to have knowledge.

4.5 Validity of the Questionnaire

The initial draft of the questionnaire was submitted by

the researchers to their thesis adviser for comments,

corrections and further refinement. Upon the

approval of the adviser, the instrument was subjected

to face and content validation by a Panel of Experts

who served as members of the Thesis Committee. The

members of the Panel were chosen based on their

expertise in their own field.

Content validation refers to the methods by which

an instrument is evaluated foe validity of its content

in terms of the degree to which the items in the

questionnaire measure what is designed to measure.

Content validation is just the initial round of

validation; the results will serve as basis of

subsequent validity and reliability determination.

The Eight Point Criteria for Content Validation of

Good and Scates was provided by the researchers to

the valuators’ as their basis for the validation of the

research instrument. After the items were validated,

those, which have corrections, were changed or

modified as per suggestion of the valuators.

4.6 Procedure

In conducting this study, the researchers requested

the seafarers to answer the questionnaire after a

written of request from the dean’s office. As soon as

permit was granted, the questionnaire was

administered. The questionnaires were then gathered,

collated, and subjected to SPSS 21.

4.7 Statistical Data Analysis

The data obtained for the study were computed using

the appropriate statistical tools such as frequency

count, percentage, mean, T-test, and one way

ANOVA. The frequency count and mean was used to

determine the sexual abstinence among seafarers as a

whole group and when classified according to the

categories of variables age, civil status, rank and years

at sea.

The percentage rating was used to ascertain the

proportion of grouping according to the given

variables.

The T-test used to determine significant

relationship between variables and the one way

ANOVA was used to compare categories among

variables.

5 RESULTS

This chapter consists of descriptive and inferential

results derived from the data generated for this

purpose. This section follows the sequence advanced

by the researchers based on the research questions as

follows:

1. What is sexual abstinence as viewed by seafarers?

2. What is the level of sexual abstinence among

seafarers when classified according to age, civil

status, and year at sea and rank?

3. Are there significant differences in the level of

sexual abstinence among seafarers when classified

according to age, civil status, and year at sea and

rank?

5.1 Sexual Abstinence as Viewed by Seafarers

Sexual abstinence is defined by seafarers in two ways

when they were interviewed. Majority of the seafarers

said that “it is not performing any sexual intercourse

while on board,” with eighty two percent (82%). The

remaining 18 percent believes “avoiding or not

committing sexual activity in every and/or any port.

Figure 1 has the data.

The practice of refraining from some or all aspects

of sexual intercourse for medical, psychological, legal,

social or religious reasons.

Level of Sexual Abstinence among Seafarers when

Classified According to Age, Civil Status, and Year at

Sea and Rank

Results show that the level of sexual abstinence

among seafarers was moderately high with a mean of

2.83 and when grouped according to age (20-30 years

old); civil status (single); years at sea (1-10 years and

21 years and above); rank (2/E, Apprentice, 2/M, E/C,

and A/E) with means ranging between 2.61-3.40. Low

when grouped according to age (31 years old and

above); civil status (married); years at sea (11-20

years); rank (3/E, C/E, and Wiper). Very low when

groped according to rank (4/E, oiler, 3/M, Bosun, 1/E,

and A/B). High when grouped according to rank

(captain and O/S).

Table 2 has the data.

Table 2.

________________________________________________

Category Mean Description

________________________________________________

C. Entire Group 2.83 Moderately High

D. Age

20-30 years old 3.05 Moderately High

31 years old up 2.50 Low

C. Civil Status

Single 2.99 Moderately High

Married 2.53 Low

D. Years at Sea

965

1-10 years 3.08 Moderately High

11-20 years 2.21 Low

21 years up 2.63 Moderately High

E. Rank

2/E 2.75 Moderately High

3/E 2.54 Low

4/E 1.80 Very Low

Apprentice 3.00 Moderately High

Oiler 1.70 Very Low

C/E 1.95 Low

3/M 1.80 Very Low

Wiper 2.10 Low

Bosun 1.70 Very Low

2/M 3.00 Moderately High

E/C 3.42 Moderately High

Captain 4.10 High

1/E 1.70 Very Low

A/B 1.40 Very Low

A/E 3.40 Moderately High

O/S 3.70 High

________________________________________________

5.2 Differences in the Level of Sexual Abstinence among

Seafarers when classified according to Age and Civil

Status

Table 3.

________________________________________________

Sexual Abstinence t-value Sig Value Description

________________________________________________

Age 1.856 .065 Not Significant

Civil Status 1.543 .325 Not Significant

________________________________________________

p<.05

T-test result showed no significant differences in

the level of sexual abstinence among seafarers when

classified according to age and civil status with t-test

of 1.856, p= .065; 1.543, p=.325 with tabular value of

.05.

5.3 Differences in the Level of Sexual Abstinence among

Seafarers when classified according to Year at Sea and

Rank

Table 4.

________________________________________________

Sexual Sum of df Mean F-value Sig. Decision

Abstinence Squares Square Value

________________________________________________

Years at Sea

Between 11.478 27 .425 .968 .547 Nor

Groups reject

Within 7.500 17 .441 Ho

Groups

________________________________________________

Total 18.978 44

________________________________________________

Rank

Between 591.911 27 21.923 1.654 .141 Not

Groups reject

Within 225.333 17 13.255 Ho

Groups

________________________________________________

Total 817.244 44

________________________________________________

p< .05

Anova result showed no significant differences in

the level of sexual abstinence among seafarers when

classified according to years at sea and rank with

anova of .968, p= .547; 1.654, p=.141 with tabular value

of .05.

6 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

The findings of the study are:

1. Seafarers view sexual abstinence as “not

performing any sexual intercourse” while on

board and “avoiding or not committing sexual

activity in every and/or any port.

2. The level of sexual abstinence among seafarers was

moderately high as an entire group and when

grouped according to age (20-30 years old); civil

status (single); years at sea (1-10 years and 21 years

and above); rank (2/E, Apprentice, 2/M, E/C, and

A/E) but high when grouped according to rank

(captain and O/S). Their sexual abstinence level

was low when grouped according to age (31 years

old and above); civil status (married); years at sea

(11-20 years); and rank (3/E, C/E, and Wiper). They

had very low when groped according to rank (4/E,

oiler, 3/M, Bosun, 1/E, and A/B).

3. No significant differences existed in the level of

sexual abstinence among seafarers when classified

according to all variables.

The conclusions of the study are:

1. Seafarers view sexual abstinence in the same

perspective.

2. Sexual abstinence is a universal behavioral

tendency and is not affected by a seafarer’s status.

3. Age, civil status, rank and years at sea are not

significant variables in the sexual abstinence

among seafarers.

The recommendations of the study are:

1. The result of this study may be shared to the

seafarers to inform them that the only way to

prevent sexually transmitted diseases is total

sexual abstinence; they have to remember that they

can contract sexually transmitted diseases through

sexual acts.

2. As a future seafarers, we highly recommend to be a

sexually abstinence for the reason and probably

the most important is religion. As a Christian you

are supposed to wait until marriage and it is a sin

to practice premarital sex.

3. Parallel studies of this kind must be replicated to

further validate sexual abstinence among

seafarers’.

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