Sexual Health Literacy among Adolescents and Young Adults
Summary
Sexual health literacy among adolescents and young adults encompasses the cognitive, social and practical skills required to locate, comprehend, appraise and apply information in order to make informed choices about sexual behaviour and reproductive wellbeing. It extends beyond factual knowledge to include confidence in negotiating consent, self-efficacy in using contraception and the ability to seek out trustworthy services. Globally, levels of literacy vary widely, with disparities linked to socioeconomic status, gender norms and educational opportunities. Low literacy has been associated with earlier sexual debut, inconsistent use of protection and elevated rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Conversely, higher literacy correlates with delayed initiation of sexual activity, increased uptake of preventive measures and greater engagement with health services. The rise of digital media presents both opportunities and challenges: while mobile-based interventions and online resources can broaden access to accurate information, they can also perpetuate misinformation. Effective strategies combine skills development, peer support and culturally sensitive content, and are most successful when integrated into school curricula and community outreach, with active involvement from educators, families and health professionals.
Research from Nature Portfolio
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Sexual Health Literacy among Adolescents and Young Adults publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sexual health literacy among adolescents and young adults across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sexual health literacy: The capacity to access, understand, appraise and apply information to make informed decisions about sexual behaviour and reproductive health.
Functional literacy: The ability to read, comprehend and use basic written health information in everyday contexts.
Reproductive health: A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing in all aspects of the reproductive system and its functions.
Structural barriers: Society-level, legal or policy obstacles that impede access to accurate information, education and health services.
References
- Sexual and reproductive health literacy of school adolescents in Lao PDR. PLOS ONE (2019).
- Barriers to vulnerable adolescent girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health. BMC Public Health (2022).
- HIV Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Young People in Iran: Findings of a National Population-Based Survey in 2013. PLOS ONE (2016).
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