Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Undergraduate Students in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Obafemi Samuel Olayinka
*
Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Allied Health Science Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
Oduoye Samuel Oluwaferanmi
Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Allied Health Science Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
Ayoola Olabisi Elizabeth
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
Idowu David Alake
Updave Research Concept, Coverage Evaluation Survey for Sightsaver’s International, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Historically, there has been a significant lack of attention given to the provision of reproductive health care for young individuals, resulting in their heightened susceptibility to various reproductive health issues such as Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI), unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and other detrimental practices. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on reproductive health services (RHS), the continued prevalence of reproductive health issues among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities renders this study highly relevant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services among undergraduate students in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, which involved a sample of 400 undergraduate students that were selected to be representative of the target population. The data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using fundamental statistical techniques, including frequencies, percentages, and chi-square analysis. The researcher utilized a significance level of p=0.05.
The majority of participants (76.2%) were aged 21 years and older, while 23.8% fell within the age range of 18-20 years. All participants demonstrated knowledge of various reproductive health services, including sexuality education (30.8%), family planning services (25.5%), and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (18.5%). The majority of participants (80.0%) indicated that they availed themselves of sexual and reproductive health services, with sexuality education (51.6%) and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (24.4%) being the most commonly utilized reproductive health services. Of the participants who reported being in romantic relationships, 22.8% engaged in sexual activity with their partners, whereas 50.5% engaged in cuddling activities. The majority of participants (61.8%) reported engaging in dangerous sexual practices, while 64.0% indicated that their first sexual experience occurred after the age of 18. The majority of participants (66.0%) reported having a single relationship, whereas 17.8% and 16.2% indicated having two and three or more partners, respectively. Of the individuals who reported being sexually active, 63.2% indicated that they availed themselves of sexual and reproductive health services. Even though students are highly aware of and use sexual and reproductive health services, risky sexual behaviors continue to be common, highlighting a disconnect between understanding and actual behavior. To tackle this issue, universities and health stakeholders need to strengthen sexuality education, encourage peer-led programs, and enhance access to youth-friendly services, emphasizing the importance of behavior change communication.
Keywords: SRH, reproductive health services, sexual transmitted infection, undergraduate students