Viola Nilah Nyakato

Unmet Sexual and Reproductive Health of University Students in Uganda: ...about 80% of Students Are Sexually Active Viola Nilah Nyakato

WHO defines the ?young people? as those aged between 10 & 24 years. The common image of being young is one of relative freedom from ill-health. However, nearly 10% of the global burden of disease is borne by young people; it is a time of first sexual encounters that predispose to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. To examine the unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of university students, between June and July 2005,9 FDGs & 6 individual interviews were conducted among students and staff of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Whereas students are sexually active, safe sex services were insufficiently availed at students? services centres. Students? unmet SRH needs could increase risk of HIV/AIDS,unwanted pregnancies and abusive relationships. Female students are more vulnerable because of their involvement in relationships with older boyfriends and community demand for marriage plans after school. Lack of awareness about SRH issues, poor life negotiating skills and lack of confidence in the available services are considered as key unmet SRH needs of student.