93% sexually active university students don’t use contraceptives – Alarming study reveals
Dr Gifty Ekua Merdiemah
A recent study conducted in three public universities in the country has shed light on concerning trends regarding the sexual reproductive health behaviors of sexually active adolescents.
The study, which surveyed 675 university respondents, revealed that a staggering 93 percent of sexually active adolescents in public universities do not utilize contraceptives.
This finding is particularly troubling considering that 80 percent of these adolescents demonstrated a basic understanding of adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) issues.
The research, led by Dr. Gifty Ekua Merdiemah, a Research Fellow and Clinical Trials Coordinator at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), was presented at a workshop organized by the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) in collaboration with UGMC and the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER).
The workshop aimed to discuss the findings of the study and formulate recommendations for improving access to and utilization of ASRH services both within and outside educational institutions.
The study spanned from 2018 to 2021 and focused on three public universities: the University for Development Studies (UDS) representing the northern zone, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for the middle zone, and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) for the southern zone.
Dr. Merdiemah emphasized that the sexual reproductive health needs of adolescents in public universities demanded greater attention from university authorities and policymakers.
The study highlighted the key barriers that adolescents face in accessing reproductive health services, including SRH education, contraceptives, and sexual intercourse.
Factors such as cost and the availability of healthcare services were identified as significant obstacles for adolescents seeking reproductive health facilities.
Consequently, the study recommended a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to develop policies and programs that address the SRH needs of adolescents in public universities.
Dr. Merdiemah further suggested the incorporation of well-structured ASRH orientation programs and the establishment of adolescent health corners at strategic locations within public universities.
These corners would provide a wide range of SRH services to support adolescents during their transition to adulthood.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education was urged to ensure the implementation of age-specific sex education programs in all educational institutions, with adequately trained teachers and peer educators.
Supporting the study’s findings, Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny of ISSER presented the results of a qualitative study titled “Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana.”
Dr. Fenny emphasized the inadequacy of sex education in schools and the lack of affordable and non-judgmental SRH services. To address these issues, she recommended comprehensive training for teachers and health staff to provide relevant sex education and the establishment of accessible and affordable adolescent-friendly services.
Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Member of Parliament for Wa Central, echoed the need for increased accessibility to information and services for adolescents. He emphasized the importance of creating multiple avenues through which adolescents can easily access the necessary support and information.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
