Religion and sex: Sexual health knowledge and attitudes among college students at a catholic institution

This mixed-methods study sought to understand sexual health knowledge and religion's role in sexual decision-making among college students (N=80) attending an urban Catholic college. Evidence suggests that students attending Catholic universities engage in sex despite the institution's religious affiliation advocating against premarital sex and contraception. Additionally, college students attending Catholic affiliated institutions lack the knowledge and resources needed to make informed sexual choices. This study employed the social cognitive theory to understand how students' sexual health knowledge corresponds with self-efficacy in sexual decision-making. Researchers developed a sexual health knowledge survey on contraception, abstinence, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which also included open-ended questions on sexual decision-making and religion. Hypotheses were that students would have low overall sexual health knowledge and that their knowledge will vary across sexual health topics. Results showed that participants knew less about HIV/AIDS and STIs than they did about reproductive health, contraception, and abstinence. Considering college students comprise a vulnerable adolescent subgroup at risk for HIV and STI transmission, it is alarming that participants had inadequate knowledge on HIV/AIDS and STIs. Qualitative findings revealed that students feel shameful for their decision to engage in sex, indicating that Catholic college teachings against premarital sex may lead to internalized shame among students. Findings also show that personal morals, rather than religion, guide the foundation for their sexual decision-making. This study can inform future sexual health education and communication interventions for college students attending religious universities to improve sexual health knowledge and self-efficacy in sexual decisions.