Publication Date

Fall 12-13-2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Bergan-Roller, Heather E.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Undergraduate anatomy & physiology (A&P) is an opportune place for future healthcare providers to learn a diversity of topics related to human health and function, including sexual health. However, the current undergraduate curriculum and instruction in A&P classes do not support students in achieving a high level of understanding of sexual health, including sexual anatomy and physiology. Previous studies have shown that college students obtain a mean score of lower than 65% in sexual knowledge tests, with the lowest mean scores on sections concerning sexual anatomy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (Weinstein et al., 2008). Sexual pleasure is an important aspect of sexual and overall health (WHO, 2006); however, our work examining undergraduate A&P textbooks and instructional practices indicates that A&P curriculum/instruction often omits sexual function and pleasure or presents it in exclusionary ways. Students’ perceptions of learning these topics are important to consider when designing A&P curricula. We have analyzed survey responses from students in an undergraduate A&P course who answered questions about their knowledge and perceptions of learning about sex and pleasure. Through the utilization of emergent thematic analysis, our research has found that students report learning about sexual pleasure in academic settings the most. Additionally, students are generally positive about the idea of learning about sex and pleasure in A&P, and expressed themes of comfort, value, and desire to learn these topics. Our findings suggest that students welcome A&P curricula that include sex and pleasure. The current research aims to better understand students’ perceptions and understanding of sexual health in the Anatomy & Physiology context. Our research in investigating students’ perceptions is crucial to consider when designing A&P curricula.

Suggested Citation

Velazquez, Yaileen, "Understanding Anatomy & Physiology student's knowledge and perceptions of learning sex and pleasure" (2024). Honors Capstone https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allundergraduate/

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