LSTM Home > LSTM Research > LSTM Online Archive

Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Ugandan Youth: 2003-04 to 2012

Crossland, Nadine, Hadden, Wilbur C., Vargas, William, Valadez, Joseph ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6575-6592 and Jeffery, Caroline ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8023-0708 (2015) 'Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Ugandan Youth: 2003-04 to 2012'. Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol 57, Issue 4, pp. 393-398.

[img]
Preview
Text
J_Adolesc_Health_57_4_393-398.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (285kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose

Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) increases morbidity, mortality, and gender inequity and slows development. In Uganda, youths represent 20% of the population, and the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is substantial.

Methods

We analyzed survey data collected using the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique from two time periods, 2003–2004 and 2012. We assessed knowledge, behaviors, and access to SRH services of youths aged 15–24 years. Using logistic regression, we examined factors associated with these indicators.

Results

All indicators have improved between the early and later time period. Youths knowing where to get HIV tests increased from <40% to 80% (both sexes); the number of youths reporting ever having an HIV test increased from 8% to 48% (males) and 10% to 64% (females). Knowledge of other STIs improved but remains low; only half of respondents know signs and symptoms of STIs, and less than half know what action to take when infected. In the late period, 85% of female youths, compared with 93% of males reported knowing where to obtain condoms. The proportion of youths reporting sexual debut before age 15 years decreased, less so for males than that for females. Increased age and level of education are associated with positive change for most indicators.

Conclusions

Over the last decade, progress has been made toward improving the SRH of young people in Uganda. Further efforts are required to ensure universal access and sufficient health education to facilitate the continued improvement of safe sexual behaviors among youth aged 15–24 years.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: WA Public Health > WA 105 Epidemiology
WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General)
WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries
WC Communicable Diseases > Sexually Transmitted Diseases > WC 140 Sexually transmitted diseases
WC Communicable Diseases > Sexually Transmitted Diseases > WC 142 Public health control measures
WP Gynecology > WP 20 Research (General)
WP Gynecology > Contraception > WP 630 Contraception
Faculty: Department: Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.06.015
Depositing User: Lynn Roberts-Maloney
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2015 10:35
Last Modified: 06 Sep 2019 11:29
URI: https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/5339

Statistics

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item