Comprehensive assessment of students' knowledge about maintaining reproductive health

The purpose of the work was to study the level of knowledge of students about reproductive health, measures to preserve and strengthen it, family planning, prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Materials and research methods. The study was conducted using a survey method in 2023 on the basis of medical organizations in Voronezh, Voronezh State Medical University. N.N. Burdenko, as well as through social networks. 98 people took part in the survey. The questionnaire was developed taking into account the age of the respondents and consisted of 20 questions. Research results. Protecting and improving the reproductive health of the population of our country has been one of the key health tasks of our state over the past decades. Considering the steady trend towards a decrease in the birth rate, an increase in mortality and, as a consequence, a decrease in the country's population, the issue of preserving the reproductive health of young people is especially acute. As part of a study conducted among students at Voronezh State Medical University, the level of students' awareness of reproductive health issues was studied. An anonymous survey was conducted among students aged 17 to 25 years, among them 74.5% were girls, 25.5% were young people. The vast majority of students surveyed (97.2%) believe that they have the necessary knowledge in the field of reproductive health , 1.5% of respondents note an insufficient level of their knowledge, 1.3% of students are not interested in this topic at all. At the same time, all 100% of respondents studied issues related to contraception and prevention of STDs. According to the survey results, the majority of respondents prefer condoms (76.5%), some indicated COCs (10.2%), the rest have no preference, but believe that chemical contraceptives are more convenient. Of those who consider their knowledge sufficient, 38.8% still doubt the correct choice of contraception and plan to consult a doctor on this issue in the future. When asked about the effectiveness of various types of contraception, taking into account the prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancy, many indicated: barrier methods - 89.7%, chemical methods - 5.1%, the rest doubted the correctness of their knowledge. Part of the questionnaire was devoted to the problems of abortion. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that abortion always has some consequences, so they admit that it can be carried out not only for medical reasons, but also at one’s own request (12.2%). When asked what consequences an abortion can have, the following answers were received: infertility - 51%, inflammatory processes - 20.4%, depression/psychological problems - 15.3%, massive bleeding - 5.1%, menstrual irregularities - 18, 4%, do not know about the negative consequences - 14.3%. Of interest are the sources of student knowledge on the topic of reproductive health. The result was as follows: 20.4% of respondents received the first necessary knowledge from their parents, at school during special classes - 17.1%, from friends - 10.2%, from a doctor - 11.3%, pointed to the media (media ), including the Internet - 28.6%, from popular science literature - 9.8%, 2.6% of respondents indicated other sources. At the same time, 64.5% of students consider it appropriate to study these issues in the university curriculum . The most convenient forms for them to obtain this knowledge at a university were the introduction of an elective (optional) course on reproductive health issues - 66.3%, consultations and lectures by a practicing doctor/teacher 39.4%. Some of the questions in the questionnaire were devoted to the topic of family planning. According to the survey results, it turned out that the majority believe that it is necessary to start a family after 25 years - 76.5%, before 25 years - 15.3%, age does not matter - 8.2%. The optimal number of children in a family was indicated: one child – 30.6%, two children – 53.0%, three children – 8.2%, the more the better – 8.2%. To the question: is it necessary to plan a pregnancy, all 100% answered positively, but what specific measures need to be taken before the desired pregnancy, more than 50% of students expressed doubts about their knowledge. Upon further study of this aspect, it turned out that the majority do not know about the need to get tested for STDs, HIV and other tests. Only a third (30.6%) know about recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, taking courses of vitamin therapy and organizing proper nutrition “before an upcoming event.” The majority of guys (more than 70%) do not consider it necessary to quit smoking before planning conception, and girls believe that it is possible to stop smoking/reduce nicotine consumption only during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unfortunately, 100% of the survey participants are aware of the negative impact of smoking on the body, but smokers do not plan to give up their addiction in the near future. The attitude of young people towards alcoholic beverages is of concern.The majority (81.6%) of respondents believe that alcohol has a negative effect not only on the central nervous system, but also on the reproductive system, but the majority think that the consequences are reversible. Also, 8.2% of respondents indicated that drinking alcohol during pregnancy in minimal quantities does not have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. Conclusion. This paper presented the results of a survey of students in order to study knowledge about reproductive health and identify factors influencing it. The survey generally showed that students are well informed on the issues of contraception and pregnancy planning, but they would like to improve their knowledge. In addition, the identified problem of a lack of knowledge about preparing for pregnancy and a frivolous attitude towards smoking/alcohol is alarming and requires the development of measures to address this issue. The results obtained can be used to develop programs and activities that will help improve the reproductive health of students and improve their awareness. This is an important step in maintaining optimal health in youth and preventing future reproductive problems.