Attitude of sexuality and gender among medical and engineering students: A comparative study

• Author Details:   
• Anirudha Gulanikar
• Shubhangini Sharma
• Aishwarya Gulanikar
• Sanmitra Aiholli ^*

Background: Sexuality education in India remains neglected even among the urban population. Despite being in the 21st century, parents and schools struggle to impart sexual health education, leaving adolescents dependent on movies, the internet, and peers, often resulting in misinformation. This study aimed to assess the status of young adults’ knowledge.

Aim: To study knowledge about reproductive and sexual health knowledge among medical and engineering students.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated questionnaire administered to students of medical and engineering colleges after informed consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and comparative analysis was done between the two groups.

Results: A total of 600 students participated. About 61% reported receiving “sex education” in school. Neither group could clearly differentiate between sex and gender, or transgender and intersex. A majority, 68.5% of medical and 66% of non-medical students, were not sexually active. Contraception was considered primarily a girl’s responsibility by 90 medical and 57 engineering students (p = 0.012). Relationship satisfaction was low: 65.3% of medical and 47.3% of non-medical students reported being unhappy, while 39.7% were unsure of their satisfaction.

Conclusion: Sexuality education remains a taboo in India, leaving young adults misinformed about sexual health. Existing school content fails to meet students’ needs. Continued, structured sessions within schools are essential to bridge this gap, fostering healthier attitudes toward sexuality and safeguarding both the mental and physical well-being of youth.