Investigation of reproductive health attitudes and influencing factors of university students receiving education in the field of health

This study aimed to investigate reproductive health attitudes and factors that influence the attitudes among university students studying in health fields. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and social work students at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Health Sciences between February 1, 2024, and May 31, 2024. The sample of the study consisted of 1231 students. Data was collected from a questionnaire on students' descriptive characteristics and the Reproductive Health Scale. In the study, the total mean score of the Reproductive Health Scale was found to be 155.8±14.0. The sub-dimension scores of the Reproductive Health Scale are partner selection, values in developing protective behaviors, communication with sexual partner, consultation, self-confidence and relying on the other people, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. The mean Reproductive Health Scale score for students who received information about reproductive health, talked about this topic with their parents, took courses on reproductive health, and participated in training was statistically significantly higher. In this study, 92.4% of the students stated that they wanted sexuality and reproductive health education to be given before university education and that they wanted a counseling unit to be available at the university. It was determined that students wanted to receive information from health professionals who provide reproductive health services to be unprejudiced, understanding, reliable, and equipped professionals.