AN EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL STUDY ON ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LITERACY OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study assessed the adolescent reproductive health literacy of senior high school students in Kapalong East District, Davao del Norte using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. A total of 208 students were surveyed quantitatively through cluster sampling, and 10 students participated in qualitative interviews via purposive sampling. Results revealed that students' reproductive health literacy was moderately extensive, with respectful relationships rated highest, followed by decision-making skills and knowledge. A significant difference was found in reproductive health literacy based on sex, indicating gender-based disparities in knowledge and behavior. Similarly, strand-based differences emerged, with Science and Technology Engineering and Mathematics and Humanities and Social Sciences students showing higher literacy than General Academic Strand and Technical Vocational Livelihood counterparts. Logistic regression confirmed that knowledge, decision-making, and respectful relationships significantly influenced students' sex. Qualitative findings highlighted limited access to reliable information, cultural taboos, and gender stereotypes as barriers to reproductive health literacy. Participants also emphasized differences in expectations, communication, and confidence based on sex and academic strand. These findings underscore the need for gender-responsive, strand-integrated, and culturally sensitive reproductive health education. Keywords: Reproductive Health Literacy; Senior High School; Gender Difference; Academic Strand; Mixed-Methods Research