Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among High School Students in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Type Journal Article - African Journal of Reproductive Health
Title Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among High School Students in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Author(s)
Volume 7
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2003
Page numbers 39-45
URL https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/2661/1/rh03022.pdf
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the reproductive health knowledge, attitude and practice of high school students in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Data were collected using selfadministered questionnaire and focus group discussions. The study revealed that the students had high level knowledge of contraceptives and where to obtain contraceptive services; however, level of use was low. Some of the reasons given for not using contraceptives include lack of access to services, carelessness, unplanned sexual intercourse and pressure from sexual partner. The study indicates that young people engage in sexual relationships at an early age without protection or with unsafe nonconventional methods. There was no significant difference between the demographic variables and contraceptive use at first intercourse. Educational level of the respondents was the only demographic variable that had significant association with sexual experience (p < 0.05). We recommend improved access to family planning information and services and family life education programmes based on the needs and experience of these young people as a potential solution to alleviate their reproductive health problems.

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