Ungdomar och unga vuxnas kunskap, attityder och värderingar om reproduktiv och sexuell hälsa

Sammanfattning: The average age of first-time mothers is increasing, along with the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. This indicates a low level of knowledge about fertility and an increased sexual risk-taking among young people. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes and values about reproductive and sexual health among adolescents and young adults. An overview of the current literature was made using an integrated analysis method, including sixteen studies. The result showed an extensive lack of knowledge among young people regarding fertility, reproductive and sexual health. Many youths lacked knowledge about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. A majority of the young people were not aware of the significance of age or the impact that sexually transmitted diseases had on their fertility. Many of the young people did however have knowledge about lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet and their impact on health. There was a positive attitude towards fertility treatments along with an overestimation of the efficiency of such treatments. The main part of the young people felt that the sex education they received was inadequate and lacked depth. It was also normative and old-fashioned. With a lack of proper education in school young people used other sources of information such as parents, friends or pornography. Young people expressed a want for easily accessible sources of information and more discussion about relations, consent and sexual abuse. More practical information was requested also. Midwives and nurses were good sources of information, a good opportunity to discuss their reproductive and sexual health was in connection with testing against sexually transmitted diseases or contraceptive counselling. In conclusion, this study showed a need for more sources of correct information regarding reproductive and sexual health that young people can easily access. Sexual education today needs to be modernized to be more inclusive to meet the needs and expectations of young people.