Assessing Sexuality Knowledge and Understanding Among Primary School Students in Seremban, Tampin and Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: A Need Analysis Study

Abstrak

Sexuality education is a vital component of holistic human development, integrating biological, psychological, social, and moral dimensions. This article presents a segment of the findings from a research project titled "Development of a Sexuality Education Module for Children in Negeri Sembilan. Employing a Design and Development Research (DDR) approach through the ADDIE instructional model, this paper focuses on the need analysis phase. Data were collected through surveys involving 81 twelve-year-old students from three districts in Negeri Sembilan—Seremban, Tampin, and Rembau—and semi-structured interviews with school discipline teachers and guidance counselors. The survey examined students’ existing knowledge of reproductive health, puberty, and sources of information, while interviews explored disciplinary concerns and educator perspectives.Findings indicate that mothers are the primary source of sexuality-related information, followed by teachers and digital platforms. While students showed basic awareness of reproductive anatomy and Islamic moral values, notable gaps were found in understanding physiological processes and puberty, particularly regarding ovulation and menstruation. Exposure to inappropriate online content and peer-related misconduct were identified as key concerns by educators.The results underscore the urgent need for a structured, culturally sensitive sexuality education module. It is recommended that the module incorporate interactive digital content, reinforce Islamic values, and actively engage parents and teachers. This study establishes a foundation for designing a comprehensive module tailored to the needs of Malaysian primary school students to promote informed and responsible sexual development.