Date

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Tamara Cook, DNP, FNP-BC, CPN

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual and reproductive health education program on sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL), knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy among first year college students. Background: College students experience high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, often associated with risky sexual behaviors and limited sexual and reproductive health literacy. Improving SRHL may strengthen preventive behaviors, enhance decision making, and promote equitable health outcomes across diverse student populations, including LGBTQ+ students. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was implemented with first year college students. Participants received a one hour, classroom based sexual and reproductive health education session incorporating didactic instruction, interactive discussion, and digital resources. Pre and post surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and overall SRHL using Likert scale items. Non-parametric tests assessed pre and post changes and subgroup differences. Results: Paired analyses (N = 221) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and overall SRHL (all p < .001).  LGBTQ+ participants (n = 40) demonstrated similar gains with no significant differences in change scores between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ groups. Conclusion: A brief, inclusive educational intervention significantly improved sexual and reproductive health literacy outcomes and demonstrated equitable effectiveness across sexual and gender identities, supporting integration into first year college programming.

 

Rights

Rights are exclusively the authors.

Download

Available for download on Monday, November 16, 2026

Share

COinS