Sex myths prevalence and gender discrepancies among college-going students in Bangalore, Karnataka, South India

Abstract

Sex-myths could impact sexual wellness. Hence, the present study explores the prevalence and describes gender disparities in sex myths among 230 male and female college students recruited using convenient and purposive sampling. After using Sex Myth Scale, Descriptive statistics and Independent sample t-test were applied. The most prevalent sexual myth among males was, ‘Most men lose their sexual drive around the age of 50’ (26.9 percent); among females was, ‘Woman ejaculates like a man when she experiences orgasm’(44.78 percent). When considering genderspecific myth responses, females were more prevalent than male students. Results showed substantial gender difference (p<0.01). Overall, sex myth scores ( including items score related to both gender) was high among male compared to their counterparts. This study indicates the need to develop a culturally sensitive and effective educational program to eradicate myths related to sex.