Effectiveness of sexual health/reproductive (S/RH) and STIs education on improving the knowledge of students at school of foreign languages at Hacettepe University in Ankara/Turkey

Introduction

In academic year 2005/2006, 1500 students attended the School of Foreign Languages. Many youth who become sexually active start with their sexual life without accurate information about reproductive health. This lack of information can put them at risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sexual/Reproductive Health (S/RH) education can be one means of helping students prevent these problems and improve their future reproductive health. This study has been carried out with the objective to evaluate the effects of S/RH education on improving the knowledge of students about reproductive health.

Materials and Methods

In October 2005 a pre-test survey consisting of questions related to SR/H issues, contraceptive methods and STIs was carried out to reveal the profile of the S/RH knowledge of the students before giving them education on S/RH and STIs. 992 students accepted to complete the questionnaire. After the pre-test, lectures of two hours about SRH, contraceptive methods and STIs were given to the students. In June 2006, a post-test survey consisting of questions similar to evaluate the effect of the lectures. 1078 students accepted to complete the questionnaire.

Results
According to the results of the pre-test 26.7% of the students’ knowledge on S/RH related issues was incorrect, 66.3% insufficient only 7.0% of the students’ knowledge was on good level. Related to the results of the post-test 21.0% of the students’s knowledge on S/RH issues was incorrect, 69.0% insufficient and 10.0% on good level. The difference between the results of the two tests were statistically important (X² =13.417 SD=2 p=0.001). 60.1% found the lectures to be efficacious.
Conclusion
According to results of the survey it has been found out that lectures about S/RH increases the knowledge of the students. This type of S/RH lectures should be given to the students studying at universities.

Key words: youth, students, sexual health, and reproductive health, S/RH education.