Adolescent sexual behaviour in a refugee setting in Uganda

Abstract

Plain language summary Sexual and reproductive health is an essential component of primary health care. Limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescent refugees particularly in low income countries can affect their reproductive health. Similarly, limited knowledge of the determinants of sexual behaviour of adolescent refugees in low income countries puts them at risk of SRH challenges. This study uses quantitative data from 356 adolescent refugees and qualitative (17 in-depth interviews with adolescent refugees and nine key informant interviews with service providers) to examine the factors that influence the sexual behaviour of adolescent refugees in Bidibidi refugee settlement. The findings show that older age, male sex, not being in school and having knowledge of getting pregnant were associated with sexual behaviour among adolescent refugees in Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda. There is need to promote keeping refugee adolescents in school and providing them with relevant SRH information to contribute to improving sexual and reproductive health of adolescent refugees living in low-income countries such as Uganda.

Keywords

• Adolescents
• Refugees
• Sexual behaviour
• Uganda