Abstract:
This survey was guided by the millennium development goal on the improvement of maternal health with the overall aim of increasing access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among university students. Specifically, the study was conducted among the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Main Campus students who were on campus during the period of January to April 2014. The specific objectives of the survey were to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of young university students on sexual and reproductive health, to examine the practice of young university students on sexual and reproductive health, and to investigate factors influencing young university students to seek sexual and reproductive health information and services.Nine Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Each group consisted of 12 to 14 students. Three Key Informant Interviews were conducted with a representative each of Dean of Students, University Health Center, and Janitors. Findings indicated unplanned pregnancies and abortions as common. Among reasons for abortion was the desire to continue with education, stigmatization and single motherhood. Sexual Reproductive Health services were found to be extremely limited at the University Health center. In addition, participants voiced negative attitudes towards the use of the University Health services. It was also apparent that students sought contraceptive and other RH services outside of the university, including at pharmacies, private clinics including Bondo Sub-County Hospital. As an intervention measure, the study proposed strategies including greater and proactive involvement of the University Administration, developing a relationship with other health facilities, sensitization, peer education and outreach.
