The effect of intrinsic spirituality and religious orientations of university students on aging sexual knowledge and attitude

OpenAlex · İngilizce

Studies on the knowledge, attitudes, and influencing factors regarding sexuality in the elderly among society and prospective healthcare professionals have gained importance. This study was conducted to determine the effect of intrinsic spirituality and religious orientations on aging sexual knowledge and attitude among students who have and have not received health education. The study was conducted with 418 students receiving health education and 418 students not receiving health education at a university. The data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale (ISS), the Religious Orientation Scale (ROS), and the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS). Students who have received health education, those who have not, and all participants scored 70.87 ± 19.63, 72.75 ± 17.35, and 71.81 ± 18.54 on the Total Aging Sexual Knowledge, and 103.11 ± 22.90, 106.08 ± 22.09, and 104.60 ± 22.54 on the Total Aging Sexual Attitudes, respectively, with no significant difference found between the two groups. A very weak and positive correlation was found between the Total ISS, ROS, and the behaviour and emotion subscales of students who have received health education and aging sexual attitude, while a weak and negative correlation was found between aging sexual knowledge and aging sexual attitude (p<.005). It is recommended that education on aging and sexuality be provided to all university students.