Knowledge and attitude of nonmedical students regarding reproductive health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Lack of evidence regarding the status of reproductive health in young people of Iran is a health problem compared with other age groups. Purpose: This descriptive study was conducted to identify the knowledge and attitude of nonmedical girl students of governmental universities in Tehran, 2005. Materials and Methods: A multi-stage cluster randomized sampling was used to select 1100 students of engineering, basic science, humanities, and art between 18 and 24 in 9 selected governmental universities in Tehran. A questionnaire completed by the students was used for data collection in 4 parts: demographics, knowledge in 3 themes (30 items: premarital genetic counseling, sexual health, venereal disease and AIDS), attitude toward these themes (18 items), and sources of their information. Content method and Cronbach’s α were used for validity and reliability of the tool respectively. Different statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 20.9. Their knowledge was generally at moderate level and they had positive attitude toward the themes. However, their knowledge concerning premarital genetic counseling was more and about sexual health was less. Knowledge of basic science students was more than the other groups. Their main source of information in reproductive health according to the students was their friends and relatives. Conclusion: It can be concluded that special educational programs in colleges and schools of Iran may be necessary to increase students’ knowledge with respect to their positive attitude in this regard. Keywords: Reproductive health, Knowledge, Attitude.