An evaluation of the effectiveness of a reproductive health education program for nonmedical students in Iran: A quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test research

Background: Young people age 10 - 25 are an important population to evaluate the female youth educational program essential to the prevention of issues related to reproductive health. Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the education program for improving university student�s reproductive health. Patients and Methods: This quantitative study was conducted in Iran from July 2014 to March 2015. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographic features, knowledge of reproductive problems, and attitudes. Program effectiveness was examined using a quasi-experimental research design with pre-intervention and post-intervention. Data from questionnaires was collected preintervention and post-intervention from 150 female students. Results: In this study, results showed that an intervention and education program had a significant effect on several issues related to reproductive health. Most participants stressed the need to provide reproductive health services for young girls. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the reproductive health education program improved the students� knowledge and attitudes about sexuality and decision-making after the program and that these educational programs are important for youths. © 2016, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences