ERIC Number: EJ1239714
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring College Students' Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy
Vamos, Cheryl A.; Thompson, Erika L.; Logan, Rachel G.; Griner, Stacey B.; Perrin, Karen M.; Merrell, Laura K.; Daley, Ellen M.
Journal of American College Health, v68 n1 p79-88 2020
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.
Descriptors: College Students, Literacy, Sexuality, Health Behavior, Grounded Theory, Contraception, Student Attitudes, Patients, Intervention, Health Services, Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Information Sources, Barriers, Language Usage, Life Style, Correlation, Trust (Psychology), Access to Information, Visual Aids, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Peer Relationship, Information Technology, Pregnancy, Student Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A