Determinants of Students’ Uptake of Reproductive Health Services Targeting High Risk Sexual Behavior in Kenyatta University, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Wanjau, Mary Njeri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
High risk sexual behavior and its consequences among university students’ continues to
be a serious concern for learning institutions, parents, researchers and policy makers.
This concern has been marked by the increased number of reproductive health
interventions worldwide aimed at ensuring young adults have access to reproductive
health information and services. In Kenya, a number of Universities have developed
policies and set up programs to curb student high risk sexual behavior. However, this
has not resulted in a decrease in high risk sexual behavior among students. In addition
there is paucity of literature on studies assessing students’ uptake of reproductive health
interventions in Kenyan universities. The purpose of the study was to assess students’
knowledge, attitude and practices relating to uptake of reproductive health services in
Kenyatta University. The objectives of the study were to; establish students awareness
of existing programs and services that address reproductive health issues at Kenyatta
University; to determine influence of social demographic characteristics on students
uptake of available reproductive health services; to determine students knowledge on
high risk sexual behavior and in relation to their uptake of reproductive health services;
to determine students attitude affecting their uptake of reproductive health services; to
identify students high risk sexual behavior practices that influence uptake of
reproductive health services and analyze relationships between students sociodemographic
factors, knowledge, attitude and practices influencing uptake of
reproductive health services. The study was guided by the Health belief model. The
study employed a cross sectional survey research design. The sample size was
comprised of 178 students who were selected using random sampling. Data was
collected using a structured questionnaire for students’ and interview guide for the key
informants. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data
was analyzed by use of SPSS using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Research
findings showed that 44.4% of the students’ had utilized the available reproductive
health services in Kenyatta University. Chi square results revealed significant
relationships between uptake of reproductive health services and students attitude to
abstinence till marriage (p=0.014), attitude in condom use (p=0.005), maintenance of
confidentiality (p=0.001), friendly service providers (p=0.000) students engagement in
inconsistent condom use (p=0.012), multiple sexual partners (p=0.028) Sex under
influence of alcohol (p=0.002) and sex for favor (p=0.022). The study concluded that
students’ engagement in high risk sexual behavior and their attitude towards service
provision influenced uptake of reproductive health services whereas students’ social
demographic characteristics and their awareness of high risk sexual behavior practices
did not influence uptake of reproductive health services. The study recommends
reengineering of the way students are sensitized of about reproductive health services.
Such strategies would include: use of social networks, increasing number of student
peer counselors and provision of information on available reproductive health services
during students’ admission. It is envisaged that these strategies will increase students’
awareness and uptake of reproductive health services
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science (community resource management) in the school of applied human sciences of Kenyatta University, June, 2016