Exploring Reproductive Health Knowledge and Practices of Female Students under 24 Years: A Study at the University of Dschang Main Campus

Abstract

Context: Reproductive health encompasses people’s freedom and ability to procreate and have a sexual life that is not only safe but also satisfying. Identifying factors related to the under-utilization of reproductive health services among young girls could help reduce the incidence of reproductive health problems affecting them. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out from January to July 2022 among the female students aged 24years and below of the University of Dschang’s main campus. The sampling method was proportionate stratified sampling. Categorical and continuous variables were expressed as frequencies and means respectively. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 395 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 20.6 years and a reported high level of knowledge about reproductive health at 88.9%. Furthermore, 56.2% of the respondents were already sexually active, with the average age at first sex being 18.8 years. However, 30.6% of the participants had made use of reproductive health services. Being aged 21-22 years and being of a religion other than Christianity were some of the predictors of the participants' knowledge and practices towards reproductive health services. Conclusion: This study highlights the low use of reproductive health services among female students and provides new grounds for implementing interventions that will not only improve their reproductive health status but will also be culturally appropriate.