Reproductive literacy, social characteristics, and health status as risk factors for the future reproductive potential of student youth

UDC: 
614: 371.7
DOI: 
10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.07.eng
Authors: 

O.A. Zubkova, A.Y. Frolov, V.I. Popov

Organization: 

Voronezh State Medical University named after N.N. Burdenko, 10 Studencheskaya Str., Voronezh, 394036, Russian Federation

Abstract: 

Currently, student families are a demographic resource for the state, and at the same time, they are the most vulnerable population group due to their young age and incomplete maturity. Unfavorable influencing factors are associated with the risk of declining reproductive potential and, as a consequence, the deterioration of the demographic situation in the country. A comprehensive assessment of risk factors for reproductive health disorders, taking into account age and future occupation, can become a tool for organizing medical and preventive measures.

The study involved 200 students from medical and non-medical educational institutions and focused on assessing impacts of certain groups of risk factors leading to a decline in reproductive potential. Four groups of factors were studied: social, characterizing healthy lifestyle, psychological health, and reproductive literacy.

Family was shown to have a significant role in formation of future reproductive behavior; the study revealed health disorders affecting reproductive potential among students. Differences were observed depending on the identified groups according to the following parameters: "closeness of relationship with parents" (p < 0.001); "attitude towards abortion" (p < 0.001); awareness of the "Pearl Index" concept (p < 0.001*). A different level of reproductive literacy was established, with medical university students being more reproductively literate.

The study involved assessment of risk factors affecting the reproductive potential of student youth. According to our findings, each of the studied groups requires correction of lifestyle and influencing risk factors to increase reproductive potential.

Keywords: 
students, reproductive literacy, healthy lifestyle, mental health, reproductive potential, medical students, health preservation, risk factors
Zubkova O.A., Frolov A.Y., Popov V.I. Reproductive literacy, social characteristics, and health status as risk factors for the future reproductive potential of student youth. Health Risk Analysis, 2026, no. 1, pp. 78–85. DOI: 10.21668/health.risk/2026.1.07.eng
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Received: 
02.12.2025
Approved: 
04.02.2026
Accepted for publication: 
26.03.2026

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