Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Background In many situations, it can still be challenging to talk about sexual and reproductive health rights, and the little scientific research available indicates that university students have a poor understanding of these issues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health rights among university students in southeast Ethiopia. Methodology From February to March 2022, 483 study participants took part in an institutionally based cross-sectional study. The study participants were chosen using a SRS method. EpiData version 4.6.2.0 was used to enter data, and SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyze it. A bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with SRHR knowledge. The odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval were used to calculate the significance level. Results The optimal level of knowledge on SRHR was discovered to be 52.1% [95% CI (47.32–55.08)] among university students in southeast Ethiopia. The multivariate binary logistic analysis indicated that being urban in the origin of residency [AOR=1.52, 95% CI (1.02–1.14)], being a health student [AOR= 12.21, 95% CI (7.27–14.88)], attending secondary school in private [AOR=6.12, 95% CI (1.02–1.14)], accessibility of a RH club on campus [AOR=6.12, 95% CI (1.02–1.14)] and participating in RH club [AOR=3.95, 95% CI (3.47–5.90)] to be variables that are strongly related to the optimal level of knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendation Four out of ten students had poor knowledge of SRHR. The variables associated with a high level of knowledge about SRHR were urban residency, health students, attending a private secondary school, the availability of a RH club on campus, and participation in a RH club. Including sexual education in the non-health department’s course, establishing RH clubs on campus, and encouraging participation of students in these clubs are recommended.