Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Needs and Behavior of Mizan-Tepi University Students on HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Related Services, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Bekuma TT, Asres A and Aman R

Introduction: Adolescent reproductive health is the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents including their ability to remain free from unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, STDs including HIV/AIDS and all forms of sexual violence and coercion. The reproductive and sexual health decisions that young people make today will affect the health and wellbeing of their countries. Thus, a deeper and wider understanding of adolescents' sexual and reproductive health-related issues is one of the key pre-requisite information required in designing relevant, effective and comprehensive adolescent health programs.

Objective: The objective of this survey was to assess knowledge, attitude, practice, behavior and current needs of HIV/AIDS and reproductive health-related services among Mizan Tepi university students, southwest Ethiopia, 2012.

Methods: Institutional based descriptive cross-sectional study design triangulated with the qualitative design was conducted among 845 Mizan Tepi university students from November 15, 2011- December 15, 2011. Standardized, pre-tested and self-administered English version questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. The quantitative data entry was done using EPI INFO version 3.5.1 statistical packages and exported to SPSS version 16 for analysis. The result of focus group discussions and in-depth interview were first read, reviewed and categorized into themes. Finally, the concepts were developed into major themes under each discussion guides.

Result: The result indicated that the majority of respondents agreed that educational material related to sexual and reproductive health should be available in the university. Around 1/3rd have started sexual intercourse out of which more than half have started after they joined the university. It was also found that most students (80.2%) had knowledge of different contraceptive methods.

Conclusion: Nearly half of the respondents have a positive attitude towards the availability of contraceptives on the campus while the services were almost nonexistent in the university. Therefore, services like the provision of a consistent supply of contraceptives including condom should be available in the student clinic considering its convenience for the students.