The relationship between risky sexual behaviors and sexual health literacy and self-esteem in young women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between risky sexual behaviors and sexual health literacy and self-esteem in young women. METHODS: The research is descriptive and cross-sectional type. In total, 705 young women were included in the research. The study data were collected online using an online survey system through Google Forms. The data were collected between April and July 2023. RESULTS: The factors affecting premarital risky sexual behavior were determined to be the educational level of the woman and her mother, where the women lived the longest, current residence, family status, father's educational level, employment status of the woman and her mother, and smoking and alcohol use status. Using alcohol (13 times), smoking (4 times), and mother's employment status (3 times) have the highest effect on the mean Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women score. There is a significant negative correlation between Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women and Sexual Health Literacy Scale. There is no significant relationship between Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. CONCLUSION: Increasing sexual health literacy levels, quitting smoking and alcohol, and engaging in self-esteem-enhancing activities in women are essential for reducing risky sexual behaviors.