This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a gamification-based peer education program on sexual health literacy and sexual health attitudes among nursing students. Sexual health is a key component of overall well-being, encompassing physical, psychological, and social dimensions. During young adulthood, individuals develop knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that significantly influence their future sexual health outcomes. However, previous research indicates that university students often have insufficient knowledge about sexual health and are influenced by misconceptions and sexual myths, which may lead to risky sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies.
Improving sexual health literacy is essential for enabling individuals to access, understand, evaluate, and use reliable health information. In addition, fostering positive sexual health attitudes contributes to safer behaviors and increased utilization of healthcare services. Although educational interventions have demonstrated effectiveness, traditional didactic methods may not fully engage learners or support active participation. Therefore, innovative and interactive approaches are needed.
Gamification is an emerging educational strategy that integrates game design elements such as points, badges, levels, tasks, and feedback into non-game contexts to enhance motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. Peer education is another effective approach that facilitates communication and learning among individuals of similar age and social backgrounds. Combining gamification with peer education offers a comprehensive and interactive model that supports both cognitive and behavioral learning processes.
The study will be conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year with third-year nursing students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups using a computer-based randomization method. The intervention group will receive a gamification-based peer education program delivered by trained peer educators. The training will include topics such as basic sexual health concepts, sexual health literacy, contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, safe sexual practices, consent, and communication skills. The program will be delivered through interactive and gamified activities, including scenario-based case exercises, group competitions, task completion activities, and question-answer sessions.
The intervention will consist of two sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group will not receive any educational intervention during the study period.
Data will be collected at baseline and one month after the intervention using validated instruments, including a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the Sexual Health Literacy Scale, and the Sexual Health Attitudes Scale. Statistical analyses will be conducted to assess within-group and between-group differences.
The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of gamification-based peer education and contribute to the development of innovative, student-centered educational strategies in nursing education, particularly in the field of sexual health.
