KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG FEMALE NURSING STUDENTS AT TRA VINH UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM

Abstract

This study examined reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female nursing students at Tra Vinh University
in 2024 and determined the factors associated with these variables. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 354 female nursing students from May to July 2024 using a structured questionnaire. Results showed that 76.6% of the participants had good knowledge, 69.8% demonstrated positive attitudes, and only 36.7% reported good reproductive health behaviors. Knowledge was significantly associated with age and academic year (p < 0.05). Attitudes were associated with academic year, with first-year students having more positive attitudes compared to those in later years (p < 0.001). Reproductive health behaviors were associated with both age and academic year; fourth-year students were more likely to have good behaviors compared to first-year students (OR = 2.33; p = 0.008). Although knowledge and attitudes were generally adequate, behaviors remained limited, suggesting the need to strengthen reproductive health education, integrate targeted interventions, and enhance counseling programs to promote safe practices among nursing students.