Association between sedentary behavior and daily step count with physical performance of community-dwelling older adults participating in an exercise program interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic: a cr

Youth represents a transitional period from childhood to adulthood characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. During this period, behaviors with long-term health implications are formed, and individuals become increasingly vulnerable to adverse outcomes, particularly in the context of sexual health. Sexuality is a natural component of human development; however, in many societies it remains a sensitive topic that is often surrounded by social taboos and limited communication within families. As a result, young people may obtain information from unreliable sources, which can lead to important knowledge gaps regarding sexual and reproductive health. Insufficient knowledge may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and other health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than one million curable sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day worldwide among individuals aged 15–49, most of which are asymptomatic, and that university youth are often neglected within reproductive health programs. This lack of awareness and neglect may increase the likelihood of adverse health outcomes related to sexual contact, including AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, abortion, and other complications. In a healthy sexual life, individuals should be able to consult a physician when faced with sexual health problems and receive the necessary counseling, treatment, or referrals from health professionals. University students may be considered a risk group because factors such as early initiation of sexual intercourse, having multiple partners, certain sexual preferences, relationships with commercial sex workers or their partners, not using condoms, being unmarried and young, living in large cities, and certain sociodemographic characteristics are associated with a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Given the limited existing literature, this study was designed not only to assess the current status of university students in Muğla province but also to examine, within the context of sexual and reproductive health, the role of knowledge in shaping appropriate health behaviors, as well as to observe the presence of misconceptions and the persistence of related negative attitudes.