Abstract
This qualitative study explored knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health, focusing specifically on contraceptive use and HIV prevention among young unmarried men and women, 17-21 years, in urban Karachi, Pakistan. The main theme, identified as underlying meaning in the focus group discussions was “Societal norms and perceptions create barriers to knowledge and awareness about sexual and reproductive health matters among young adults”. A knowledge gap was revealed concerning HIV/AIDS and contraceptive use among young males and females, who have to rely on media and peers for information seeking. Study participants perceived that HIV/AIDS is incurable and carries a social stigma. It was further revealed, that there is an opposition towards contraceptive use from religious leaders. Young adults in Pakistan are in need of improved knowledge about HIV/AIDS and contraceptive use. Youth clinics and schools/colleges may play a significant role in this regard. The religious leaders need to be informed about the beneficial effects of contraceptives and they should be part of any family planning/contraceptive use program to ensure better community acceptance. At the structural level there is an urgent need for policies targeting the issue of sexual and reproductive health, particularly HIV/AIDS information and contraceptive use to target the young population. The health care services should be able to respond by offering relevant services.
Highlights
The sexual and reproductive health concept implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life, including the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so (Reproductive Health; http://www.who.int/topics/reproductive_health/en/)
This study explored knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health, focusing on contraceptive use and HIV prevention among young unmarried men and women, 17-21 years, in urban Karachi, Pakistan
The main theme will be described and illustrated below with the help of four categories; Cultural norms and beliefs about reproductive health, Knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS, Misconceptions and stigma related to HIV/AIDS and Current and desired sources of information (Table 2)
Summary
The sexual and reproductive health concept implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life, including the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so (Reproductive Health; http://www.who.int/topics/reproductive_health/en/). From this follows that women and men should be informed of and have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of birth control and access to appropriate health care services to enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth (ICPD, 1994). About 44 percent of the poorest 20–24 year old women gave birth before reaching years, while only percent of better off women did (World Bank, 2011)
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