A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Non-Use of Sexual Reproductive Health Services among University Students in South Africa

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15514601
AutoresNtombenhle E Mazibuko (Stellenbosch University), Munyaradzi Saruchera (0000-0003-4345-1293, Stellenbosch University), Emeka Francis Okonji (0000-0002-3499-6948, University of the Western Cape, autor de correspondencia)
Año2023
Volumen20
Número3
Páginas2418-2418
Fecha de publicación2023-01-29
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph20032418
PMID36767788
OpenAlexW4318474389
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas18

(1) Background: There is growing concern in South Africa about risky sexual behaviour, sexual transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancy among young people. Many sexually active students engage in several risky behaviours, including sex with multiple sexual partners, low condom use, and low contraceptive use. This paper qualitatively explores factors influencing non-use of sexual reproductive health services by students at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa (MUT). (2) Methods: Data was collected through 20 in-depth interviews with MUT students and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained before all data collection. (3) Results: The main themes identified were risky sexual behaviours translating to multiple intimate partners, perceived quality of condom use, perceived benefits of contraceptives, negotiating safer sex with partners, developing a greater sense of autonomy, alcohol and drug abuse, perceived benefits of health education provided by the MUT, and lack of open communication. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that university students need multi-faceted interventions designed to address challenges with risky sexual behaviours including knowledge and benefits of condom and contraceptive use to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies, as well as providing psychosocial interventions to support these students' autonomy

Autonomy · Condom · Environmental health · Family medicine · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Sex work and related issues