Zeitschrift für Forschung und Entwicklung im Bereich Gesundheitserziehung

Perceptions and Reproductive Health Seeking Behaviors of University of Ghana Female Students

Abstract

Abdul-Ghaffar Donkor, John Zaguo, Ernestina Asiedua, Namaitijiang Maimaiti

Objective: The aims of the study were to explore university female students’ perception about reproductive health problems, their reproductive health seeking behaviors and how reproductive health problems could be managed from their perspective.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among university female students in University of Ghana. These were students who were enrolled into any undergraduate program in the university. Data was collected using self-administered standardized questionnaire on perceptions and reproductive health problems among 50 students from university of Ghana female students who agreed to participate in the study using stratified random sampling technique.

Result: The mean age of the respondents was 25 years. Out of the 50 participants, 70% could define reproductive health correctly whilst 30% could not give accurate definition of reproductive health. 84% of respondents were able to mention at least one of such reproductive problems. Twenty-three (23) respondents which represent 54.8% of the 42 respondents who had heard about some reproductive health problems said reproductive health problems can be prevented through sex education, 7 respondents representing 16.7% mentioned abstinence as a way of preventing reproductive health problems, 3 people mention family planning and this constitute 7.1% of the 42 respondents. In addition, 4 respondents which constitute 9.5% mentioned medical interventions such as seeking for a safe abortion at well-equipped institutions with qualified personnel as a way of preventing reproductive health problems. Majority of the participants, 32(64%) were aware of interventions aimed at addressing reproductive health problems whilst 18 participants representing 36% were not aware.

Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate great awareness of reproductive health problems and sex education among the respondents. 100% of the respondents who have ever had an STI sought treatment from either the hospital or the pharmacy.