Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Emily Richardson

Committee Member

David Hall

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether there is a documented relationship between sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and sex behaviors in students in the US.

Methods: This study conducted an expanded literature review. Multiple databases were utilized including EBSCO host academic complete search, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Searches included the following phrases: “sexual health education”, “united states”, “sexual health knowledge”, “sex behavior”, “risk seeking behavior”, and “sex attitudes or perceptions or opinions.” Studies were included based on relevance to topic, geographical location, age group, and recency.

Result: 40 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. The majority of students failed in knowledge based assessments on sexual health. Students had the least amount of understanding related to contraceptives, anatomy, consent, sexually transmitted infections, and condom use. There is an inverse relationship between a higher understanding of sexual health with more positive sex behaviors. Evidence on whether sexual health attitudes relate to sexual health knowledge is conflicting. Literature suggests there is a greater impact on attitude in relation to source and timing of teaching rather than amount of knowledge.

Conclusion: These results support the need for an increase in sexual health knowledge in students, further research on the development of attitudes toward sexual health, and promoting positive sex behaviors.

Keywords

Sexual Health; Sex Behavior; Attitudes; Sexual Health Knowledge

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