Reproductive health knowledge among Arts students in the University of Kelaniya

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Formal learning ofreproductive health for Arts undergraduates is limited to GCE Ordinary Level. This study aimed to describe the knowledge on reproductive health among first year students in Faculty of Arts, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 200 students selected using simple random sampling at Faculty of Arts, University of Kelaniya during May 2017 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed in SPSS. Each correct answer scored one, and each wrong/not responded scored zero giving a maximum total score of 68. RESULTS: Among the study participants, total scores ranged from 27 to 62. The median score was 45.5. 93.1 % of females and 94.4% of males were able to score more than 50% for the questionnaire and there were significant findings related to the level of knowledge on different domains ofreproductive health. There is no evidence for association between level of knowledge and the sex (p=0.6)..Effective sources of information in descending order were books, magazines, friends, films, pornography, siblings, parents and teachers. The preference and availability of teachers, parents and siblings were low.The three commonly believed myths were: 'bathing during menstrual periods can reduce bleeding and it is harmful' (32%), 'bleeding after the first intercourse is a definite marker of virginity' (30%) and 'oily food should be avoided during menarche' (25%).CONCLUSION: The overall level of knowledge on reproductive health was satisfactory. The level of knowledge on common sexual and reproductive myths that prevail in Sri Lanka was not satisfactory.