Abstract
Introduction: Education about reproductive health should be an integral part of learning process beginning in childhood and continuing into adult life. Education and awareness of reproductive health in girls affects their health status, fertility and sets stage for health beyond reproductive years and affects the health of next generation. Reproductive Health covers a wide range of issues like pregnancy; Contraception & Family Planning; Sexually Transmitted Diseases Prevention. If adolescents can be sensitized about issues of reproductive health, it may contribute to reduction of unwanted pregnancies; reduction in the incidence of S.T.D.s and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. Hence an attempt was made to assess the extent of awareness of college students regarding reproductive health. Objectives: To assess the extent of awareness of reproductive health among girl students studying XI & XII classes in two colleges of Visakhapatnam city, Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: A college based study was conducted in two colleges of Visakhapatnam city through administration of a pre designed questionnaire. Results: The present study revealed that one third of the girls knew about diagnosis of pregnancy; half of them had knowledge about investigations and one third knew about iron supplementation. Regarding contraception, condoms and female sterilization were known to most of them. Most of the girls knew about H.I.V. infection and they had this knowledge through television. Their knowledge of symptoms and prevention of Sexually transmitted diseases and cancer screening was limited. Most of them felt the need for sex education. Although two thirds of the study group were aware of socioeconomic factors; haemorrhage and difficult delivery causing maternal mortality, none had knowledge about sepsis and hypertension causing maternal deaths. Conclusions: Awareness of Reproductive health among college students in the areas of pregnancy, contraception and H.I.V. was better than in the areas concerning other reproductive tract infections and cancer screening . Debates and discussions on preventive aspects of R.T.I.s and causes of maternal and infant mortality may help them in developing a positive attitude towards reproductive hygiene; antenatal care, contraception and child birth. Electronic media play a crucial role in imparting knowledge in reproductive health issues.
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