Knowledge and Attitudes on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues Among Sendafa High School and Preparatory Students

Abstract

The world population is composed of 18% of adolescents (10-19 years) and 26% of young people (10-24 years). Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge is an important predictor of an individual's sexual behavior. Adolescents in sub Saharan Africa, including the current study setting, Ethiopia has limited knowledge and attitude about sexual issues. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes on sexual and reproductive health issues among Sendafa high school and preparatory students. Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from May to July, 2016 G.C., at Sendafa high school and preparatory students. All unmarried and aged 13-24, who are attending school during the data collection were included in the study. Study participants were interviewed about their socio demographic characteristics and their knowledge and attitudes on sexual and reproductive health issues using structured questionnaire. A total of 304 Sendafa high school students were assessed for Knowledge and attitudes on sexual and reproductive health issues during study period. Out of the total, 165 (54.3%) were male and 139 (45.7%) were females. Two hundred forty eight 248 (81.5%) of the students knew about sexual transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDs 206 (67.7%) and Gonorrhea 80 (26.3%). The most frequent sources of information about SRH issue were 158 (51.9%), 151 (49.6%) and (45 (14.8%), school, Media and peers respectively. According to the finding of the current study knowledge and attitudes on sexual and reproductive health issues among Sendafa high school and preparatory students is good but need improvement.