Factors Influencing Reproductive Health-Promoting Behavior of Female College Students: Based on the IMB Model

Purpose: This study aimed to explore factors influencing reproductive health-promoting behavior among female college students on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model. Methods: The study was conducted with 182 female college students. The data collected through an online survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Reproductive health-promoting behavior of female college students was positively correlated with reproductive health knowledge, health consciousness, health self-efficacy, and e-health literacy. Notably, health self-efficacy (β=.28, p=.003) emerged as a significant behavioral skill factor, while reproductive health knowledge (β=.15, p=.017) contributed as a key knowledge factor. Additionally, religion (β=.13, p=.029) in individual characteristics was identified as an influencing factor of reproductive health-promoting behavior. In the final model, these variables explained 37% of the reproductive health-promoting behavior, and the model was statistically significant (F=11.43, p<.001). Conclusion: This study highlighted the significance of behavioral skills and knowledge in enhancing the reproductive health-promoting behavior of female college students. It is crucial to focus on elevating health self-efficacy and empowering female college students to actively engage in reproductive health management. Furthermore, there is a need for practical education initiatives aimed at improving reproductive health knowledge to better equip individuals for effective reproductive health management.