Sexually Transmitted Disease
Conditions
Brief summary
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of structured sexual health education for immigrant women on their levels of sexual health self-efficacy and reproductive autonomy using a randomized controlled design.
Detailed description
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human life that encompasses biological, psychological, and social dimensions and is shaped by individuals' personality traits, life experiences, and social conditions. Sexual satisfaction and adjustment are related not only to physical processes but also to psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships. In this context, sexual self-efficacy-defined as an individual's belief in their ability to manage emotions and behaviors in sexual situations-plays an important role, while reproductive autonomy refers to the ability to freely decide whether and when to have children. Migrant women may be more vulnerable in these areas due to various social and structural barriers; therefore, efforts aimed at strengthening sexual health self-efficacy and reproductive autonomy are considered important.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALeducation
Training Sessions and Topics Session 1: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Women's Health Definition and types of STIs Symptoms and asymptomatic courses in women Relationship of STIs with reproductive health and HIV risk Transmission routes and the importance of testing Session 2: Sexual Health Self-Efficacy and Protective Behaviors The concept of sexual health self-efficacy Protection methods and correct condom use Seeking healthcare and requesting testing Communication with healthcare professionals Session 3: Reproductive Autonomy, Communication, and Rights Reproductive autonomy and decision-making Communication with partners and setting boundaries Confidentiality and consent in healthcare Coping with stigma
Sponsors
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
education-centered randomized controlled experimental study
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* To be eligible, applicants must: * Be 18 years of age or older, * Have immigrant status and reside in Turkey, * Be one of the women who applied to or benefited from the services of the
Exclusion criteria
* Being under 18 years of age, * Refusal to give informed consent for participation in the study, * Having a serious cognitive impairment or psychiatric condition that may prevent regular participation in the training and data collection process, * Having a severe language barrier that prevents communication during the study process and that cannot be overcome with translation or written materials,
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The primary endpoint will be the difference in mean knowledge scores between baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention assessments. | Pre-intervention (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 3-month follow-up. | 1. Level of Knowledge Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Participants' level of knowledge regarding STIs will be assessed using knowledge questions included in a data collection form prepared by the researchers. The measurement tool is a structured questionnaire. The unit of measurement is the number of correct answers, and the total score obtained indicates the level of knowledge about STIs. Higher scores indicate a higher level of knowledge. 2. Level of Sexual Self-Efficacy: Participants' level of sexual self-efficacy will be assessed using the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES), developed by Humphreys and Kennett (2010) and adapted into Turkish by Çelik (2012). The scale is an 8-point Likert-type scale consisting of 5 items. The unit of measurement is the total scale score, and the score range is 5-40. Higher scores indicate a higher level of sexual self-efficacy. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The primary endpoint will be the change in the mean RAS score between baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention assessments. | Immediately after the intervention is completed. | 1\. Level of Reproductive Autonomy: Participants' level of reproductive autonomy will be assessed using the scale developed by Upadhyay et al. The Reproductive Autonomy Scale (RAS), developed by (2014) and validated and proven reliable in Turkish by Dursun and Gözüyeşil (2023), will be used for evaluation. The scale consists of 14 items and three sub-dimensions (Decision Making, Coercion Avoidance, Communication). The unit of measurement is the scale score, which is calculated as the average score obtained by dividing the total score by the number of items. Higher scores indicate higher reproductive autonomy. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed