The Necessity of Developing AIDS and Reproductive Health Indicators for Iranian Adolescents in the National Health System; The Evaluation of Indicators among 18-24 Year Old University Students of Shahroud, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Indicators are required to assess health needs as well as monitor, implement and evaluate the impact of health promotion programs. In the present study, efficacious indicators in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and enhancement of reproductive health were developed and measured.

After creating a database, the indicators were presented to a panel of experts. A total of 28 indicators, which were divided into three domain categories viz: “knowledge”, “attitude” and “behavior” were developed after prioritization. In the next stage, 1500 male and female students within the age bracket of 18-24 were included after ascertaining the validity and reliability of some of the study's questionnaires. Multistage sampling was employed. After obtaining approval from universities and the respective professors, the questionnaires were distributed to students. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20 and Pearson's descriptive-analytical statistics.

Responding to whether “AIDS can be transmitted through the use of a previously used toilet by an individual suffering from AIDS” or not, 168 (18.8%) female and 166 (32.0%) male students answered correctly, with the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.001). A total of 293 (40.6%) male students believed that the perfect age for males to get married was 26 or under. A total of 157 (30.4%) female and 267 (29.5%) male students believed that the majority of their single friends had never had sexual relations, respectively.

Planning can be carried out to reduce factors that adversely affect the enhancement of adolescents’ reproductive and sexual health through the measurement of such indicators, including educational and service programs that provide a better access to such services for adolescents.