Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 183-190
Knowledge on Reproductive Health among Graduate Students in Northern Kerala
Dr. T. Radhakrishnan
Assistant Professor in Health Education, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Govt. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram- 11, Kerala
ABSTRACT
Context: Reproductive and sexual health of adolescents and young adults is a global public health issue. They have many misconceptions about reproductive health issues like human reproduction, sexuality, contraception, HIV/AIDS, reproductive tract infections, etc. The present study aims to assess the level of knowledge on reproductive and sexual health issues among college going young graduate students in northern Kerala.
Methods and Materials: It was a descriptive study. Data from a survey of 1640 graduate students in the age group of 18-24 studying in the arts and science colleges in Kannur and Malappuram –the two northern districts of Kerala were collected using self administered structured questionnaire.
Results: The key findings of the study is that, the level of knowledge on reproductive health issues among young adults in northern Kerala were poor, which is consistent with many other studies in India and abroad. Only 6.8% of the young adults had sound knowledge. The findings of the study disclose that sizable number of young adults did not have knowledge on taking care of basic reproductive health issues such as contraception, pregnancy and reproductive tract infections. A significant relation is found between area of residence and level of knowledge in reproductive health. Females were more knowledgeable than males in the area of pregnancy related aspects.
Conclusions: The study recommends for enhancing the knowledge and understanding of young adults in taking care of sexual and reproductive health concerns by imparting programs in proper direction. The study also recommends for health education on reproductive health through educational institutions by fostering more open interactions between teachers and students and between peers.
Key words: Knowledge, reproductive health, young adults.