Sexual and reproductive health stigma and associated factors among female medical students at Pamukkale University: a cross-sectional survey

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of stigmatization regarding sexual and reproductive health and the associated factors among female students at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine.Materials and methods: This study is a cross-sectional research conducted at Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine between February 17 and 27, 2025. The study population consisted of 850 female students enrolled in the 2024–2025 academic year, and based on the sample size calculation performed using the G*Power program, a minimum of 369 participants was determined. A convenience sampling method was employed. The dependent variable of the study was the Sexual and Reproductive Health Stigmatization Scale in Young Women. Data were collected through Google Forms. Higher total scores obtained from the scale indicate increased stigmatizing attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health. The minimum possible score on the scale is 0, while the maximum score is 20.Results: Female students scored 7.20±2.98 points on the scale. Approximately 25.2% (n=93) of the participants reported obtaining their basic knowledge on sexual matters from friends, while 26.6% (n=98) stated that their families exert pressure on their freedom of life and worldview. Within the family context, about 82.3% (n=304) indicated that sexual health issues were not discussed. The stigmatization score of those who obtained basic knowledge from their families (6.58±3.64) was significantly lower compared to those who obtained information from websites (7.75±2.78) (p=0.024); on the other hand, the stigmatization score of participants who perceived family pressure (8.13±2.61) was significantly higher (p<0.001).Conclusion: The sexual and reproductive health stigmatization scores of female students were below the moderate level. This finding indicates that even medical education does not completely eliminate stigmatization.