Sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa

Abstract

Plain language summary Approximately 44% of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, with 25.1 million reported unsafe abortions, 95% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Youth, including university students, are particularly vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge. In South Africa, university students possess low levels of SRH knowledge yet engage in high-risk sexual behaviours. The study explored postgraduate students’ knowledge of contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses, human immunodeficiency virus, Pap smear and clinical breast examination at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Of the 403 respondents, 65.8% reported sexual engagement. Overall, students were knowledgeable about selected aspects of SRH and obtained their information from university academic lecturers and health professionals. In conclusion, universities have a key role in the provision of SRH information. Such information should be incorporated into the curricula and other activities, to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Keywords

• Postgraduate students
• Knowledge
• Sexual health
• Reproductive health
• South Africa