Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Electronic Course of Sexual Health Education for Young Adults (18-35 Years): An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Protocol.

Abstract

<h4>Background and aims</h4>Sexual health education is crucial for young adults well-being, yet effective interventions are lacking in Iran. E-learning offers a promising avenue to deliver comprehensive sexual health education, tailored to the cultural context and diverse needs of Iranian young adults. This mixed-methods study with an exploratory sequential design aims to design, implement, and evaluate an electronic sexual health education course for Iranian young adults (18-35 years). The study has two phases: 1. needs assessment and course design, and 2. course implementation and evaluation.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>Phase one involves a systematic review of e-learning interventions and national/international guidelines, followed by qualitative research to explore young adults and key informants' perspectives on sexual health educational needs. These findings will inform the design and development of the e-course. Phase two will be a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving nonmedical science students at Guilan University. The intervention group will receive the e-course, while the control group will not. Outcomes will be assessed using validated questionnaires, focusing on sexual health.<h4>Ethics and dissemination</h4>This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran (code number: IR.SHMU.REC.1403.085). All the steps/methods will be performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.<h4>Ethical code</h4>IR.SHMU.REC.1403.085. URL: https://ethics.research.ac.ir/EthicsProposalView.php?id=494573.<h4>Prospero registration number</h4>CRD42024573968, CRD42024578450.<h4>Trial registration</h4>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20210313050689N1. URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/79322.