Young Collegiate Women\u27s Sexual Health and Knowledge

It is important for young women to know and understand their own bodies. With more knowledge comes higher self-esteem, healthier relationships, and an understanding of one’s own self. The source of young women’s knowledge and its accuracy is the first link in the chain to help young women. For this research study we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with MSU college women to explore where women received their body and sexual health knowledge as well as its affect on their lives. Preliminary findings indicate that those with more knowledge about their bodies generally had greater confidence and understanding about their sexual anatomical health. Within the United States, there exists a gap between educational experiences and personal awareness. This study has implications for strategies to advocate for increased and reliable information on college campuses and in relation to MSU, advocacy should be focused on Student Health Services and more opportunities throughout campus for women to learn about their bodies