The Effect of Web Based Reproductive Health Education on Sexual Myths and Risky Behaviors in University Students
Condition: Health Risk Behaviors; Reproductive Health; Sexual Health
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the concept of reproductive health as "not only
      the absence of disease or disability, but a state of complete physical, mental and social
      welfare in all matters related to the reproductive system, functions and processes". However,
      it also emphasizes that people have free will in the timing of having a satisfying and safe
      sexual life and using their reproductive abilities.

      Sexual and reproductive health and rights are essential for the health and survival of
      people, economic development and prosperity. In the United Nations 2030 Sustainable
      Development Goals, the third article named "Health and Quality Life" includes the targets
      covering reproductive health and sexual health. Some of these goals are; universal access to
      sexual and reproductive health services, creation of national education and information
      strategies for reproductive health, preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), access
      to information about family planning, and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. People
      can lead a complete healthy and quality life only when these goals are achieved.

      It is observed that the knowledge of men and women about general reproductive health and the
      organs and functions of the female and male reproductive systems is significantly lacking. In
      addition to these, it has been reported that they have insufficient knowledge on other issues
      such as sexual health, STIs and family planning methods. There are studies showing that lack
      of knowledge brings about reproductive health problems in young individuals. Problems such as
      exposure to STIs, early pregnancy, and risky sexual behaviors arise due to lack of
      information. Since all these health problems can cause permanent damage, the individual's
      future reproductive health is also at risk. However, it is possible to come across studies
      showing that reproductive health education is a tool to prevent these adverse health
      conditions. In a study conducted with university students, even if students' basic sexual
      education knowledge levels were good; It has been reported that there is a positive
      relationship between receiving sexual education and protective sexual behaviors, knowledge,
      motivation and skills. At the same time, it has been reported in many studies that believing
      in sexual myths, which are considered as false beliefs and have no scientific value, is more
      common in students with high levels of knowledge. While sexual myths cause behavioral changes
      with believed mistakes, sexual dysfunctions, decrease in sexual satisfaction and negative
      attitude towards contraceptive methods can also be brought about. Considering that people who
      know more about sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS have a low rate of believing in myths, an
      important reproductive health problem such as STI should be considered to be related to
      myths.

      In this context, training on reproductive health and sexual health is important. Preparation
      and implementation of trainings on reproductive and sexual health by health professionals; It
      is important as it is known that young people have access to conflicting or incorrect
      information from various sources. Therefore, health professionals should be involved in these
      training processes. While planning the trainings, many platforms can be used, and nowadays,
      web-based trainings increase their importance with the introduction of the internet in all
      areas of our lives. The biggest advantages of web-based education are that it can be accessed
      anytime, anywhere and by anyone. In various studies conducted with university students, it is
      seen that web-based education increases the level of knowledge and is effective in behavior
      change.

      In this period when technological education emerged, many instructional design models
      developed were used in web-based education. Among these models, the most widely used ADDIE
      model. ADDIE is a model that provides a systematic and comprehensive definition and
      implementation of design principles. The web-based training in the research will be given
      based on the ADDIE Model approach. Basic elements of the instructional design process in the
      model; It is in the form of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The
      use of a model in web-designed education ensures that the educational content is prepared
      according to the needs, the training steps are not skipped and systematic.

      In the literature review and web researches, a web-based education was not encountered in
      national and international publications where university students could reach the correct and
      scientific information about reproductive health. In this context, the investigators believe
      that web-based education to be provided with the ADDIE Model approach will reduce the sexual
      myths and risky behaviors that young people believe.

      This study was planned to examine the effect of web-based reproductive health education given
      to university students on belief in sexual myths and risky behaviors.
    


Intervention name(s): Education
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): With the training module prepared according to the ADDIE model, the intervention group will be trained on reproductive health and sexual health.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: There is a control group and an experimental group in this research. Pre-test and post-test will be carried out with a pattern. A pre-test will be made to the control and experimental groups simultaneously. Then, the experimental group will be trained and the final test will be conducted simultaneously with the non-intervened control group.
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Other
Keywords: Health Risk Behaviors; Reproductive Health; Sexual Health; Sexual Myths