KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG YOUTH GIRLS

Abstract

Abstract

Background: sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a crucial aspect of the overall wellness of body and mind; adolescent girls go through a critical phase of physical, emotional, and social development, because of which the health of the reproductive system is of utmost importance. Realization of the knowledge background and attitudes of adolescent girls in sexual reproductive health is fundamental to the design of programs that promote evidence-based judgment, healthy habits over their lifespan, and positive health outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes about sexual and reproductive health among the study sample and to assess the knowledge and attitudes about sexual and reproductive health after giving an intervention lecture among the study sample.

Design and sample: This experimental study was conducted in public preparatory schools for girls in Najaf. The sample was female government preparatory school students, morning classes only, aged 15-22 years, and residents of the center of Najaf Governorate, Iraq.

Measurements: Students' sexual knowledge and attitudes were assessed before the intervention (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test 1), and one month after the intervention (post-test 2).

Intervention: Students in the experimental group received a 30-minute research lecture on "Empowering women's basic concepts about sexual and reproductive health." The lecture covered a wide range of subjects.

Result: Compared with the control group, overall knowledge of the intervention group was improved; the majority of students in both groups had negative attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health.

Conclusion: The findings show that the intervention group's knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health significantly increased after participating in a lecture and discussion.

Recommendation: Comprehensive programs for youth sexual and reproductive health be created using reliable, scientific medical data.