Sexual Health Education, Attitudes, Experiences, and STI Testing Rates of University of Central Oklahoma Students
Location
Ponderosa Room D
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Sexual Health, Sexual Education, Public Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections
Start Date
6-3-2026 11:15 AM
Event Sort Order
32
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health problem that can cause serious long-term health consequences if left untreated. The reduction of incidence, transmission, and complications associated with STIs requires prompt testing, diagnosis, and treatment. College students in the United States face a disproportionately high risk for STIs. They are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, less likely to utilize STI testing services, and face more barriers to sexual health. Previous research has indicated a lack of sexual health knowledge and attitudes towards sexual health influences the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. This study sought to assess the sexual health of college students at the University of Central Oklahoma and how it is impacted by their previous sexual education and structural barriers to healthy sexual behaviors.
A cross-sectional, mixed-method online survey was conducted over the spring semester of 2026, recruiting university students from the University of Central Oklahoma via an all-student email. The anonymous questionnaire assessed student demographics, sexual education history, STI testing behaviors, sexual risk behaviors, knowledge, and five psychological constructs indicated to be predictive of STI testing from previous research: attitudes, perceived susceptibility to STIs, social norms, social fear and self-efficacy. The possible responses to questions related to sexual health were graded on a point scale, with a higher point value indicating alignment with practices that promote or improve sexual health. Optional follow-up interviews provided in-depth information regarding attitudes about sexual health and sexual health education. The survey responses will be compared to STI infection data provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Efforts to improve sexual health on college campuses and provide evidence-based sexual health education will benefit from the data collected by identifying public health priorities and tailoring health promotion strategies to the needs of UCO students.
Sexual Health Education, Attitudes, Experiences, and STI Testing Rates of University of Central Oklahoma Students
Ponderosa Room D
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health problem that can cause serious long-term health consequences if left untreated. The reduction of incidence, transmission, and complications associated with STIs requires prompt testing, diagnosis, and treatment. College students in the United States face a disproportionately high risk for STIs. They are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, less likely to utilize STI testing services, and face more barriers to sexual health. Previous research has indicated a lack of sexual health knowledge and attitudes towards sexual health influences the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. This study sought to assess the sexual health of college students at the University of Central Oklahoma and how it is impacted by their previous sexual education and structural barriers to healthy sexual behaviors.
A cross-sectional, mixed-method online survey was conducted over the spring semester of 2026, recruiting university students from the University of Central Oklahoma via an all-student email. The anonymous questionnaire assessed student demographics, sexual education history, STI testing behaviors, sexual risk behaviors, knowledge, and five psychological constructs indicated to be predictive of STI testing from previous research: attitudes, perceived susceptibility to STIs, social norms, social fear and self-efficacy. The possible responses to questions related to sexual health were graded on a point scale, with a higher point value indicating alignment with practices that promote or improve sexual health. Optional follow-up interviews provided in-depth information regarding attitudes about sexual health and sexual health education. The survey responses will be compared to STI infection data provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Efforts to improve sexual health on college campuses and provide evidence-based sexual health education will benefit from the data collected by identifying public health priorities and tailoring health promotion strategies to the needs of UCO students.
Presenter Bio
Princeton Niblack is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They obtained their associate degree in Biological Sciences from Rose State College. They are currently researching the impact of sexual health education on STI testing rates, the potential role of the gut microbiome in osteoarthritis, and a novel method of tracking the transmission of pathogens through pollinator networks. After their research is complete, they plan to pursue a Ph.D. in microbiology and study the role of microbiomes in ecosystems both large and small. In their rare moments of free time, they enjoy visiting museums and reading poetry with their spouse.