An Empirical Study on the Reproductive Health Status of  Chinese Female College Students and the Importance of Health Education

Weiwei  Sun; Xiaolei  Song; Xiaoxia  Wang; Kuimei  Zhang; Gladys Mae R.  Laborde; Kim Kwang  Cheol; Mei  Wang; Wenming  Cao; Nan   Jiang

doi:10.18502/ijph.v55i1.20978

Weiwei Sun Department of Gynecology, Pingshan District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518118, China
Xiaolei Song Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, ShenZhen 518104, China
Xiaoxia Wang Department of Gynecology, Shandong Changle People’s Hospital, Weifang 262400, China
Kuimei Zhang Department of Gynecology, Shandong Changle People’s Hospital, Weifang 262400, China
Gladys Mae R. Laborde Adventist University of the Philippines, Cavite 4118, Philippines
Kim Kwang Cheol Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
Mei Wang Department of Gynecology, Pingshan District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518118, China
Wenming Cao Department of Gynecology, Pingshan District Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518118, China
Nan Jiang Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, ShenZhen 518104, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v55i1.20978

Keywords: Reproductive health; College students; Health education; Gynecological diseases; China; Health disparities

Abstract

Background: Reproductive health issues significantly impact female college students in China, yet comprehensive data on gynecological disorders and health education needs remain limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, sociodemographic determinants, and health education preferences in this population.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted across 12 provinces from October 2024 to August 2025, including 2,318 female students recruited through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a validated electronic questionnaire covering demographics, reproductive health status, and education participation. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable regression.

Results: High prevalence rates were found for dysmenorrhea (66.18%), irregular menstruation (58.07%), vaginitis (47.89%), premenstrual syndrome (42.19%), and breast disease (36.76%). Significant disparities were identified by education level, residence, and academic major. Rural students showed higher rates of dysmenorrhea (72.62% vs. 59.07%) and irregular menstruation (67.19% vs. 48.00%) than urban students. Although 49.44% had participated in health education, 28.86% had never attended. Students expressed strong preferences for STD prevention (64.32%) and sexual health education (62.25%), with online platforms being the primary information source (34.12%). Over 75% requested free consultations and regular checkups.

Conclusion: Chinese female college students face a high burden of gynecological conditions, with notable sociodemographic disparities. Targeted, digital health education initiatives addressing vulnerable subgroups are urgently needed to improve reproductive health outcomes.