Sexual health literacy and protective behaviors against sexually transmitted diseases in young adult women: Influencing factors and relationship

OBJECTIVE: Young women are more prone to engaging in risky sexual behaviors, making them vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. Considering that sexual health literacy may positively influence women’s protective behaviors against sexually transmitted diseases, this study examines the effect of sexual health literacy on protective behaviors in young adult women. MATERIAL and METHODS: This descriptive and relational study was conducted between May and September 2024 in an education and research hospital in Istanbul, with 256 women aged 18–24 years. The sample size was determined using power analysis. Data were collected through the Participant Information Form, the Sexual Health Literacy Scale, and the Protective Behaviors Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases Scale. The data were analyzed using statistical software, reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 21.67±1.84 years, with the majority being university graduates and single. A total of 46.1 percent had received sexual health education. Sociodemographic factors significantly influenced sexual health literacy and protective behaviors. Participants working part-time and those who consumed alcohol occasionally had higher sexual health literacy scores. Those who had received sexual health education scored higher on both scales. Participants who used the internet for social media and video watching obtained higher scores in both scales. As sexual knowledge and attitudes improved, protective behaviors also increased. A positive relationship was found between sexual health literacy and protective behaviors. CONCLUSION: The sexual health literacy levels of young adult women positively influence their protective behaviors against sexually transmitted diseases. Sociodemographic characteristics, education level, and sources of information play a significant role in this process. The findings highlight the importance of education and awareness programs to improve women’s sexual health literacy. Keywords: sexually transmitted diseases, young adults, safe sex, health literacy, reproductive health