Impact of Reproductive Health Education Seminars on College Students' Contraception and Safe Sex Knowledge and Behaviors.

Abstract

In the United States, 41.6% of all pregnancies are unintended. This disproportionately affects women 20 to 24 years old. The high rate of unintended pregnancy among college students is associated with a lack of or incomplete formal education on reproductive health in grade and high school. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of health education seminars designed to reduce reproductive health knowledge gaps among college-aged students and increase their safe sex behavior (health protection/prevention). Student pharmacists offered eighteen one-hour health education programs on fertility, contraception, and emergency contraception to college student attendees via live and Zoom-based presentations. Pre- and post-program quizzes, a post-program performance evaluation, and a post-program behavior change survey were completed anonymously. The response rate was 94.8% (n = 153 attendees). Post-program quiz scores (84%) were significantly higher than pre-program quiz scores (56%, p ≤ 0.001). The greatest increases in knowledge were about sperm survival, correct condom use, and fertility windows. The two-month follow-up survey responses revealed more confidence with birth control decisions, increased awareness of emergency contraception items, increased safe sex behaviors, and increased condom usage. Students reported that the seminars were helpful for preventing future unintended pregnancies. Reproductive health knowledge gaps can be minimized, and some self-reported safe sex behaviors can be improved with health education programs implemented at a university.