What This Means
This research systematically reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2023 to understand what affects sexual and reproductive health knowledge and skills among college students, how that knowledge is measured, and what kinds of programs can improve it. Despite searching through thousands of articles, the researchers found only 11 studies that met their criteria, most of which were conducted in the United States. This suggests that despite college students being a population at heightened risk for poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes, this specific topic has not been well studied — especially in countries and cultures outside the Western context.
The review found that students' sexual and reproductive health literacy is shaped by a range of personal and social factors, including age, gender, religion, ethnicity, where they were born, and whether they received formal sex education. Importantly, family influence emerged as a significant factor in shaping what young people know and how they behave regarding sexual and reproductive health. The review also found that higher health literacy tends to be associated with better knowledge, more positive attitudes, and healthier behaviors. Technology-based programs — such as apps or online tools — showed promise as a way to improve these outcomes.
This research suggests that programs designed to improve young people's sexual and reproductive health should be tailored to fit specific cultural, religious, and community contexts rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. It also highlights the important role that families and communities play in shaping health literacy, and recommends that future interventions incorporate these influences. The authors call for more research from diverse parts of the world to better understand how social and cultural environments shape this type of health literacy and to develop more effective, equitable programs globally.