Abstract
Context
The millennial population currently occupies the point of adulthood in which sexual health behaviors are developed. Understanding the perceptions that contribute to these behaviors is crucial to the development of preventative measures.
Purpose
To explore young adults’ perceptions of sexual health and related concerns among the millennial population cohort and the role that sexual health education serves in these perceptions.
Methods
Adopting the survey method and administering the semistructured interview schedule, data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with 29 participants. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Three investigators individually coded a transcript from the sample to develop a preliminary codebook. Thematic analysis procedures were applied during the analysis process.
Results
Three primary themes emerged from the data: sexual health refers to prevention; desire for comprehensive sex education; and consent as a concern.
Conclusion
Participant perceptions suggest a need for comprehensive sex education to normalize discourse and reduce stigma that may result in poor sexual health outcomes.