Knowledge of medical college students about sexual and reproductive health

Abstract Background: In Kazakhstan, teenagers now begin their sexual life very early. With the early onset of sexual activity, the number of sexually transmitted diseases as well as teenage pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies increases. Nurses in educational institutions are specialists responsible for educating the younger generation and play a key role in educating adolescents about sexual development, so the study of nursing knowledge is important. Aims: The main goal of this research was to assess the knowledge of medical college students about sexual and reproductive health. Methods: A quantitative research method was applied. An electronic questionnaire was selected as the data collection tool. The questionnaire was developed from the standardized Illustrative Questionnaire for Interview Surveys with Young People published by the World Health Organization. The data was analyzed statistically. Results: The results of the study showed that among the participants of the study there is a relatively weak knowledge in the field of sex education. The analysis revealed that only half of the participants demonstrated correct knowledge about reproductive health. Data analysis also showed a low awareness of students' knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. However, in questions concerning knowledge about contraception, participants showed moderate knowledge. Participants knew more about barrier methods of male contraception (78.1%). In questions about an important and preferred source of knowledge in sexual and reproductive health, participants mostly noted the mother and preferred the source of health care professionals. Conclusion: Given the low awareness of young people about sex education, it is necessary to introduce sexual and reproductive health education in schools in Kazakhstan and involve properly trained school nurses in providing appropriate information about sexual health to adolescents