Sibel KARAKOÇ
Türk Fen ve Sağlık Dergisi - 2026;7(3):205-213
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate midwifery students' attitudes toward sexual health and explore their association with sociodemographic characteristics. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among midwifery students enrolled in the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences at a state university in Türkiye during the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. Data were collected online via Google Forms using the Personal Information Form and the Sexual Health Attitudes Scale for Youth (SHAS-Y). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A total of 249 students participated in the study. The mean total SHAS-Y score was 145.43 +/- 16.36 (possible range: 33-165). Among the subscales, the highest scores were observed in Decision-Making and Responsibility, Communication and Rights, and Sexual Rights, whereas the lowest scores were found in the Awareness and Self-Confidence subscales. The most frequently reported primary source of sexual information was the internet/TV/radio/newspapers, followed by school and healthcare institutions. Conclusion: Midwifery students demonstrated high levels of positive attitudes toward sexual health; however, the Awareness and Self-Confidence dimensions require further improvement. Strengthening these areas through structured and comprehensive sexual health education within midwifery curricula may enhance students' personal sexual health competencies and support their future professional practice.
