Health Behavior, Peer Education, Sexual Health Knowledge, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two peer education models on nursing students' behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). First-year nursing students will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive a peer education program developed based on the Integrated Change Model (ICM), while the control group will receive standard peer education. Both programs will be delivered by a fourth-year nursing student (peer educator) in four weekly sessions of 30 minutes each. The ICM integrates key principles from major behavior change theories including the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, the Transtheoretical Model, and the Health Belief Model. By combining peer education with this theoretical framework, the study seeks to promote lasting positive changes in STI-related protective behaviors among nursing students. Data will be collected using validated scales measuring STI-related behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge before and after the intervention. The study will contribute to the development of more effective STI prevention programs in university settings.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALICM-Based Peer Education Program
A 4-session peer education program developed based on the Integrated Change Model (ICM). Sessions cover: (1) STI awareness and types, (2) reliable information sources and prevention methods, (3) myths and communication skills, (4) barriers and action planning. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is delivered weekly by a trained fourth-year nursing student peer educator.
BEHAVIORALStandard Peer Education Program
A 4-session standard peer education program on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Content includes STI types, transmission routes, prevention methods, and safe sexual behaviors. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is delivered weekly by the same trained fourth-year nursing student peer educator using presentation and discussion methods.
Sponsors
Sakarya University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* First-year nursing student enrolled at Sakarya University Faculty of Health Sciences in the 2025-2026 academic year * No prior formal education on sexually transmitted infections within the undergraduate curriculum * Voluntary written informed consent to participate
Exclusion criteria
* Participation in another sexual health education program during the study period * Absence from more than one of the four education sessions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| STI-Related Protective Behaviors | Baseline (Week 0) and immediately after the intervention (Week 4) | Measured by the Scale for Behaviors Towards Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (21 items, 5-point Likert scale; score range 21-105). Higher scores indicate better STI-protective behaviors. Cronbach's alpha=0.91. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed