Assessment of Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Young People in Jimma College of Teachers’ Education

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in Jimma College of Teachers’ Education. The study employed qualitative case study method. Young people, teachers, health and counseling professionals in the college were the main sources of data. Stratified and purposive samplings were used. Focus group discussion and in depth interview were the main tools of data collection. The data were analyzed thematically using verbatim quotes. The study indicated that many participants had lack of awareness about health needs during different developmental stages. Besides, they had inadequate information about sexuality and relationships behaviors before they taste it practically in their life. There had been also a lack of openness in communication among sexual partners about the knowledge of and attitudes to contraceptives and sexually transmitted infection. Further, the sexual and reproductive health services in the college were inadequate. Thus, pregnancy among unmarried females, increasing incidence of abortion and sexually transmitted disease s were common among young people in the college. In conclusion, many young people in the college had been vulnerable because of the lack of knowledge, skills and attitudinal challenges to avoid SRH risky behaviors, mainly females. The prevalence of sexual activity at an early age, coupled with multi sexual partners and attitudinal challenges towards the use of contraceptives and condom had exposed many females to the risks of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe and repeated abortion. Attempts made to minimize the risks of sexual and reproductive health in the college hardly exist. Therefore, urgent measures are required to save the lives of most precious but vulnerable young people life in the college. Among the major implications of the study; inclusion of SRH education in to school curriculum, awareness rising through sexual and reproductive health clubs, peer-education, drama, competitions, etc., along with young people focused workshops, discussions, meetings, and seminars with all concerned stake-holders, strengthening the partnership among educational institutions, governmental and nongovernmental youth-serving organizations and further detailed researches in the area of SRH needs of young people were suggested as helpful.