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Ethics code: (IR.IAU.KHUISF.REC.1401.362)
1- Community Health Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Nursing, As.C., Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
3- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, College of Medicine, Al Qadisiyah University, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
4- Community Health Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran ,mousavi1315@iau.ac.ir
2- Department of Nursing, As.C., Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
3- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, College of Medicine, Al Qadisiyah University, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
4- Community Health Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran ,
Abstract: (60 Views)
Background and Objectives: Adolescence is a critical stage in girls' lives, often accompanied by various reproductive health challenges. In Iraq, the high rate of adolescent fertility (58.01 per 1,000 women aged 15–19 years) and cultural barriers highlight the urgent need for reproductive health services. Nurses play an essential role in education and awareness; however, limited specialized knowledge may reduce the effectiveness of their intervention. This study assessed nurses' knowledge of health-promoting behaviors for adolescent girls' reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, 125 nurses (mean age: 37.22 ± 9.92 years) from Al-Diwaniyah hospitals in Iraq were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a 25-item questionnaire covering four domains (puberty and marriage, pregnancy and childbirth, family planning, and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) and rated on a 3-point Likert scale, completed in person by participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26), applying Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression tests.
Results: Most nurses (65%) had moderate knowledge (50%–75%). Knowledge was highest in family planning (64.40%) but lower in STIs (58.08%) and pregnancy (57.87%), with only 44.3% of correct responses on STI prevention. No demographic variables were associated with knowledge (P > 0.05). While 68.5% of nurses had positive attitudes toward education, only 34.7% found adolescent communication easy.
Conclusion: Cultural taboos and inadequate training exacerbate knowledge gaps. Targeted workshops on STI prevention and counseling skills, alongside clinical guidelines, can enhance reproductive health services and improve adolescent girls' health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, 125 nurses (mean age: 37.22 ± 9.92 years) from Al-Diwaniyah hospitals in Iraq were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a 25-item questionnaire covering four domains (puberty and marriage, pregnancy and childbirth, family planning, and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) and rated on a 3-point Likert scale, completed in person by participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26), applying Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression tests.
Results: Most nurses (65%) had moderate knowledge (50%–75%). Knowledge was highest in family planning (64.40%) but lower in STIs (58.08%) and pregnancy (57.87%), with only 44.3% of correct responses on STI prevention. No demographic variables were associated with knowledge (P > 0.05). While 68.5% of nurses had positive attitudes toward education, only 34.7% found adolescent communication easy.
Conclusion: Cultural taboos and inadequate training exacerbate knowledge gaps. Targeted workshops on STI prevention and counseling skills, alongside clinical guidelines, can enhance reproductive health services and improve adolescent girls' health.
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Medicine & Clinical Sciences
Received: 2025/07/27 | Accepted: 2025/11/19
Received: 2025/07/27 | Accepted: 2025/11/19
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