Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported health behaviors related to reproductive health among university students in Poland: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive health is a significant area of public health, and the level of knowledge and health behaviors in young adults may be important for their future health and reproductive decisions. The level of health education in students may influence informed decision making regarding health and reproductive plans. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, opinions, and declared health behaviors of university students in Poland regarding reproductive health. Material and methods: A cross-sectional online survey (CAWI) was conducted in a group of 182 students from Polish universities. Non-random convenience sampling was used. Two standardized tools developed by Juczyński were utilized – the List of Health Criteria (LHC) and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) – along with an original, 26-item knowledge test on reproductive health. The analysis included descriptive statistics, a rank analysis of responses in the LHC and HBI, and the evaluation of the percentage of correct answers in the original knowledge test in relation to current medical guidelines. Results: In the LHC, the highest-rated criteria referred to subjective well-being and somatic fitness, including “feeling well” and “having all body parts functioning properly.” In the HBI, selected preventive behaviors were declared relatively more frequently, while behaviors related to rest, limiting work overload, and coping with tension and stress were reported less often. 48.9% of the respondents declared that they rarely or almost never avoided work overload. A significant proportion of the respondents rarely declared taking actions aimed at reducing intense stress and tension. A high percentage of incorrect answers was recorded in the section of the test concerning nutrition during pregnancy. Conclusions: The surveyed students’ knowledge regarding reproductive health was diverse and showed significant gaps in certain areas, particularly regarding selected physiological issues and nutrition during pregnancy. At the group level, a discrepancy was observed between high awareness of selected risk factors and less frequent reports of certain behaviors related to rest and stress reduction. The results indicate the validity of developing health education programs for students, covering both the knowledge of reproductive health and issues related to sleep, regeneration, and stress management.