Abstract
Objective: To assess college students’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy experiences, specific to contraception use and STI prevention. Participants: In Spring 2015, participants (n = 43) from a large institution participated in six focus groups (two male and four females groups). Methods: Focus groups were guided by the health literacy domains (access; understand; appraise; apply); data were analyzed in MaxQDA using the constant comparative method. Results: The Internet was the most commonly accessed source for SRH information. Participants discussed facilitators (eg, use of visuals) and barriers (eg, medical jargon) to understanding information; and personal lifestyle, advice from family/friends, symptoms, and sexual partners as appraisal factors. Participants applied information by communicating with friends/providers and seeking healthcare. However, findings were not linear nor mutually exclusive, representing the interaction of health literacy skills. Conclusion: Findings suggest that a patient-centered intervention capitalizing on technology and trusted individuals (providers/peer educators) may facilitate college students’ SRH literacy.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 79-88 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of American College Health |
| Volume | 68 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2 2020 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Community health
- counseling
- health education
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health