Exploring college students’ sexual and reproductive health literacy

Cheryl A. Vamos; Erika L. Thompson; Rachel G. Logan; Stacey B. Griner; Karen M. Perrin; Laura K. Merrell; Ellen M. Daley

doi:10.1080/07448481.2018.1515757

Exploring college students’ sexual and reproductive health literacy

Cheryl A. Vamos, Erika L. Thompson, Rachel G. Logan, Stacey B. Griner, Karen M. Perrin, Laura K. Merrell, Ellen M. Daley

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	79-88
Number of pages	10
Journal	Journal of American College Health
Volume	68
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1515757
State	Published - 2 Jan 2020

Keywords

Community health
counseling
health education

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10.1080/07448481.2018.1515757

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title = "Exploring college students{\textquoteright} sexual and reproductive health literacy",

abstract = "Objective: To assess college students{\textquoteright} 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{\textquoteright} SRH literacy.",

keywords = "Community health, counseling, health education",

author = "Vamos, {Cheryl A.} and Thompson, {Erika L.} and Logan, {Rachel G.} and Griner, {Stacey B.} and Perrin, {Karen M.} and Merrell, {Laura K.} and Daley, {Ellen M.}",

note = "Funding Information: This study was funded by the University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Interdisciplinary Team Award. We are extremely grateful for the time, participation, and collaboration provided by University research participants and collaborators. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2018, {\textcopyright} 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.",

year = "2020",

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doi = "10.1080/07448481.2018.1515757",

language = "English",

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AU - Thompson, Erika L.

AU - Logan, Rachel G.

AU - Griner, Stacey B.

AU - Perrin, Karen M.

AU - Merrell, Laura K.

AU - Daley, Ellen M.

N1 - Funding Information: This study was funded by the University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Interdisciplinary Team Award. We are extremely grateful for the time, participation, and collaboration provided by University research participants and collaborators. Publisher Copyright: © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

PY - 2020/1/2

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N2 - 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.

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Exploring college students’ sexual and reproductive health literacy

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