Sexual and Reproductive Health Problems and Service Needs of University Students in South East Ethiopia: Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

In developing countries, youths have been disproportionately affected by reproductive health problems due to their risky behaviors. Reproductive health problems have been prominent in areas where large youth population found. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative study has assessed sexual and reproductive health problems and service needs of university students. In this study, majority of students don’t have adequate awareness on sexual and reproductive health risks and have exhibited high risk reproductive health behaviors. Although, there are immense and diversified sexual and reproductive health problems, health care services utilization was negligible. Lack of information about available health services and absence of specific services that meet the needs of youth were the major reported reasons for low sexual and reproductive health service utilization. Therefore, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services giving emphasis to peer education, IEC and/or BCC trainings, establishing SRH/HIV/AIDS resource center and making the university clinic youth friendly are recommended interventions.