AWARENESS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS AMONG STUDENTS OF A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of Karachi University students about reproductive health and rights. Design: Cross sectional study Methods: A survey was conducted from February to May 2005 to determine the understanding and knowledge related to reproductive health and rights among the students of the department o f Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan. A pre-coded questionnaire was developed and pre-tested. The questionnaire was introduced to those students, who agreed to participate in the study. Data collected was double entered and analyzed on SPSS and Epi-info latest version. Results: Fifty five percent (55%) of participants believed the reproductive rights to be as important as other human rights. About 80% o f participants thought that proper birth spacing can improve maternal and child health but very few Pakistani women have birth spacing rights. Quality of life o f women and men can be improved by knowing their reproductive rights in view o f 71% and 63 % o f respondents respectively. Conclusion: Although one third of participants claimed to be aware of their reproductive rights but majority were unable to identify what exactly comes under the domain o f reproductive rights. Majority knew that appropriate use of contraception and birth spacing can have positive impact on maternal and child health. The study recommends that awareness sessions should be conducted at all lev els of society and more efforts should be made to improve reproductive health and increase awareness and the implementation of reproductive righ