Determination of sexual health literacy and sexual and reproductive health knowledge in disaster situations among midwives and nurses working in a public hospital

The study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional research with the aim of determining the sexual health literacy and knowledge levels on sexual and reproductive health in emergencies among midwives and nurses. The study was conducted between March 1, 2024, and June 31, 2024, at Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital. The research sample consisted of 360 nurses and midwives working at Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, who were selected through a non-probability sampling method, met the inclusion criteria, and agreed to participate in the study. The research data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Scale in Emergencies, and the Sexual Health Literacy Scale. For the statistical analysis of the data, Student's t-test, ANOVA (post hoc: Bonferroni) test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used. Participants had a mean score of 94.57 ± 12.17 on the Developing the Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge Scale in Emergencies and 53.7 ± 8.59 on the Development of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale, indicating a moderate literacy level (59.7%). Knowledge in emergencies was low in 46.1% and high in 45% of participants. Higher scores were observed among midwives aged 36–45, with a bachelor's degree, and working in internal medicine clinics, and among nurses aged 22–35, with a bachelor's degree, and working in intensive care units (p < 0.05). It is recommended to organize training programs to enhance the sexual health literacy of nurses and midwives, as well as their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health in emergencies, in order to increase their awareness in these areas.