IS SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NECESSARY? THE CASE OF UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE STUDENTS' AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, UGANDA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies on sexual and reproductive health education (SRH Education) in universities are rare, and yet there is evidence of knowledge gaps and misconceptions in sexual and reproductive issues among students. This study sought to assess the need for SRH Education in order to strengthen health knowledge and practices of Makerere University female students. METHODS: Using stratified simple random sampling, a total of 450 questionnaires were administered, of which 398 (88.4%) were duly completed. Data were entered in to SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data. RESULT: The findings indicated that there was a high demand for SRH Education by 264 students (66.3%) to help them overcome barriers such as the inability to get reliable and accurate information, to empower them in decision making and to overcome inadequate education from parents and the university. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS It was concluded that SRH Education is still necessary for university students in order to deliver correct and adequate information about Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH). It was recommended that SRH Education modules be developed and delivered either as standalone modules or mainstreamed into the current curricula.