SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE PROFILE OF EARLY ADULTS: PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSIS BASED ON THE RASCH MODEL

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health issues among young adults remain a critical concern due to high-risk behaviors associated with limited sexual knowledge. This study aimed to measure and map the level of sexual knowledge among young adults aged 18–40 years using Rasch Model analysis. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 36 participants selected through accidental sampling. Data were collected using the Sexual Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (SEKAQ) and analyzed with Winsteps software. The results revealed fragmented sexual knowledge, with strong understanding of normative issues but substantial misconceptions regarding factual and medical information, including sexual violence and HIV-related topics. Overall, sexual knowledge was predominantly declarative and had not reached an evidence-based operational level. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive sexuality education that integrates moral, data, and medical literacy. sexual knowledge remains at a declarative level (norms) and has not yet reached an evidence-based operational level. These findings imply the urgent need to develop Guidance and Counseling services and sexuality education that integrate not only moral aspects but also data and medical literacy holistically.