Sexual and reproductive health awareness, experiences and service utilization among female undergraduate students in university of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the awareness, practices, experiences, and the utilization of services regarding SRH by the young female in university. A cross-sectional study was conducted at an institution starting from December 5 th , 2021 to February 25th 2022. Nonprobability sampling was used; finally 478 young female students were selected from 13 departments of the social sciences. Data on SRH (sexual reproductive health) difficulties and experiences were gathered using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire. The utilization of sexual and reproduction health services was assessed through a single-item measure that asked participants whether they had ever utilized such services. Data was entered in to Kobo toolbox and descriptive analysis was done through SPSS. About 242 (51%) of the respondents identified that maturation is one of the foremost health issue faces by adolescents. Among 60% of young females said their mothers were their main source of information on sexual and reproductive health. About 176(36.8 %) students had a conversation with their mothers about sexual and reproductive health. Only 78 (16.3%) of students reported ever used of services for SRH issues despite the fact that 192 (40.2%) reported menstruation-related problems. The proportion of young females who were aware of reproductive health issues and service utilization was found to be low. Large number of respondents of our study had experienced the onset of menstruation without any previous background knowledge on the event. There is a dire need for provision of proper knowledge and guidance to the young female.