Factors associated with sexual health literacy among adolescents attending private high schools in İstanbul

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate sexual health literacy among adolescents and examine its associations with reproductive health knowledge, family communication, avoidance of sexual health discussions, and sociodemographic characteristics.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted among 235 adolescents aged 14-18 years attending private high schools in İstanbul, Turkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, a researcher-developed 16-item reproductive and sexual health knowledge questionnaire, and the Sexual Health Literacy Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Spearman correlation analysis.Results: Higher sexual health literacy scores were significantly associated with greater knowledge regarding hormonal changes during adolescence, the menstrual cycle, and contraceptive methods (p