Awareness of Policy Frameworks that Affect the Provision and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among University Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Ongwae, Joshua
Okongó, Grace
Masiga, Casper
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJPO
Abstract
Purpose: the study sought to determine awareness of
SRH policy frameworks that impact on the provision
and utilization of SRH services among university
students.
Methodology: The study used a cross sectional research
design complemented by exploratory research design.
The study was conducted in the main campuses of two
public universities namely Kenyatta University and
Multimedia University and two private universities,
United States International University- Africa, KCAUniversity in Nairobi County in Kenya. The target
population were students aged between 18-25 years
studying in universities with main campuses in Nairobi
County. The total study population was approximately
192,193 students. The study applied stratified random
sampling to identify the 370 students who completed the
study questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to
select the students and staff who participated in in-depth
interviews. The students who participated in focus
group discussions were randomly selected.
Findings: The study found out that most students, 95
(25.7%) reported to be aware of the Constitution of
Kenya (2010) followed by 74 (20%) students who
reported to be aware of the National Reproductive
Health Policy (2007). When looking at the university
level policy frameworks, most students, 229 (61.9%)
split in almost equal numbers, male, 120 (32.4%) and
female, 109 (29.5%) are aware of the university
HIV/AIDS policy. The surveyed students who said they
were not aware of any university SRH policies were 94
(25.4%), split in equal numbers between male and
female students. The findings indicate low awareness of
SRH policy frameworks by either gender which can be
interpreted to mean that participation of the students in
the development of the policy frameworks and
dissemination of the developed policies is poor.
Recommendations: The study’s recommendation to
universities is to regularly disseminate national and
university level SRH policy frameworks to the students.
This can be done during orientation, as part of their
studies and on special days convened to sensitize the
students on their health.
Description
Article
Keywords
Sexual, Reproductive Health, Policy, Awareness, Youth, Universities, Students
Citation
Ongwae, J. ., Okongó, G. ., & Masiga, C. . (2023). Awareness of Policy Frameworks that Affect the Provision and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among University Students in Nairobi City County, Kenya. European Journal of Health Sciences, 9(3), 9 - 17. https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhs.1575