Evaluation of sexual myths and sexual knowledge levels of Çukurova University students

Evaluation of Sexual Myths And Sexual Knowledge Levels of Cukurova University Students Aim: Sexuality is a component of physical, emotional, intellectual and social aspects that enriches personality, communication and love and has a significant impact on the well-being of the individual. Especially in university students, where ideas about sexuality are becoming active, misconceptions about sexuality will negatively affect their sexual life in the future and thus their whole life. Family physicians have a great role in accessing accurate and reliable sexual information in the society. Because Family Physicians are the first point of contact for their patients and approach them without discriminating between diseases and health problems. The aim of this thesis study is to investigate sexual myths and sexual knowledge levels in Çukurova University students, to associate them with sociodemographic characteristics, to examine their causes, and to discuss what we as family physicians can do in this regard. Material and Method: Our study was conducted with students studying at Çukurova University between February 15, 2025 and April 1, 2025. When we grouped the students of Çukurova University as Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Engineering Architecture departments and selected them from the Excel program by simple random numbering with the stratified cluster sampling method, Health Sciences; Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, Social Sciences; Faculties of Communication and Science and Literature, Engineering Architecture; Faculties of Engineering and Architecture. Our study was conducted with 389 students by applying a voluntary face-to-face questionnaire. A sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire structured by the researchers, a questionnaire investigating sexual myths and sexual knowledge level were applied. Results: Students studying at Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Communication, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Architecture were included in the study. It was determined that 221 (56.8%) of the students were female and 168 (43.2%) were male. The mean±SD age of the students was 21.49±2.90, and the median (min-max) was 21.0 (17.044.0). The mean age at first sexual intercourse was found to be Mean± SD 18.22±2.28, median (min-max) 18.0 (12.033.0). Mean± SD 19.0±3.05, median (min-max) 19.0 (14.0-33.0), and mean± SD 17.89±1.77, median (min-max) 18.0 (12.0-23.0) were found for women and men, respectively. In our study, men were more knowledgeable about sexual behavior than women, women were more knowledgeable about sexually transmitted infections, men were more likely than women to endorse myths derived from sexual performance and results, and women were more likely than men to endorse some myths about hymens (p<0.05). Among the faculties, significantly more endorsed myths belonged to Engineering and Architecture Faculties, and the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases was significantly higher in Health Sciences (medicine and Pharmacy Faculties) students (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, the sexual myths endorsed by university students are due to lack of knowledge and experience, and the lack of accessible sexual health centers and lack of access to the right resources to investigate these issues are also factors. Although the knowledge level of students in the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy is higher than the others, a considerable proportion of students do not have information about HPV and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Since we, as family physicians, are within the reach of young people, we are the first point of contact, we do not discriminate between health problems, and because of the benefits of being a physician, we should talk about sexuality with them more often, we should be equipped on this subject, and we should be pioneers in taking the necessary social steps. Keywords: Family medicine, Sexuality, Sexual myth, University youth, Sexual knowledge, attitude and behaviour