Sexual health literacy among Turkish youth was at a moderate level and was positively associated with sexual and reproductive health service seeking, with limited sexual health literacy potentially restricting access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Participants' sexual health literacy was at a moderate level, while sexual and reproductive health service seeking was above moderate.
A positive relationship was found between sexual health literacy and sexual and reproductive health service seeking.
Sexual health literacy level and history of unwanted pregnancy were significant predictors of sexual and reproductive health service seeking.
Sexual health literacy level was significantly associated with multiple demographic and behavioral factors.
Sexual and reproductive health service-seeking level was influenced by a distinct set of demographic and behavioral factors.
The main barriers to sexual and reproductive health service seeking were embarrassment, not prioritizing sexual health, minimizing the problem, and lack of information.
This research suggests that young people in Türkiye (ages 18–30) have only moderate knowledge and skills related to sexual health, though their willingness to seek sexual and reproductive health services is somewhat higher. The study surveyed 512 young adults online and found that those with better sexual health literacy were more likely to seek out health services, and that having experienced an unwanted pregnancy also predicted greater service-seeking behavior. Factors like gender, income, family background, parental education, and personal sexual health experiences were all linked to how knowledgeable young people were about sexual health and how likely they were to seek care. The study also found that the biggest obstacles stopping young people from seeking sexual and reproductive health services were not just practical ones—embarrassment was the top barrier (reported by 35%), followed by not considering sexual health a priority, downplaying their own health concerns, and simply not knowing where or how to get help. These findings highlight that cultural stigma and gaps in education play a significant role in keeping young people from accessing care they may need. This research suggests that improving sexual health education, making reliable health information more accessible online, and creating youth-friendly health services could meaningfully increase young people's ability to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health in Türkiye. The authors emphasize that nurses and other health professionals have an important role to play in providing guidance and reducing the stigma that prevents young people from seeking care.
Celik N, Yesildere Saglam H. (2026). Sexual health literacy and sexual and reproductive health service seeking among young people in Türkiye: levels and determining factors.. BMC public health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-26130-5