Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2
Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
3
Student Research and Technology Committee, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual education is defined as a systematic curriculum intended to facilitate a child’s adaptation to inherent instincts and ensure prophylaxis against sexual deviations. As the family entity functions as the primary socialization vector in human development, it is incumbent upon parental figures, especially mothers, to disseminate requisite instruction concerning sexual pedagogy.
Materials and methods: This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional design, involving a cohort of 186 mothers with children aged 3 to 6 years who were receiving services at the health centers in Esfarayen City. Data were collected via a two-part questionnaire designed to assess both the mothers’ awareness and attitudes. For data analysis, statistical tests including the independent samples t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression were employed.
Results: The findings indicated that the mothers’ mean awareness score was (26.83 ± 5.36), nd their mean attitude score was (48.46 ± 7.69). Statistical tests revealed a significant association (p<0.05) between attitude and child’s gender, and between the mothers’ level of awareness and attitude, respectively, with the variables of maternal occupation, paternal occupation, and income. Furthermore, a highly significant correlation(p<0.001) was observed between the two variables of awareness and attitude.
Conclusion: Given that the assessed level of mothers’ awareness and attitude was evaluated as moderate, it is recommended that specialized educational workshops focusing on sexual education be implemented at the city’s health centers, with particular emphasis on culturally and financially underserved localities.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)