Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights among University of Rwanda students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Poor knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among university students has been constantly reported in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess University of Rwanda (UR) students' knowledge on SRHR. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved an online survey of 441 students across UR. Data were collected using a validated 50-item SRHR knowledge questionnaire via Moodle. Data were cleaned and analysed using STATA. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as a bivariate logistic regression model and multivariate logistic regression with backward elimination, were used for the final model. A P-value of 0.05 with 95% CI limits was considered. The association between explanatory variables and the outcome (SRHR knowledge) was evaluated. A mean cut-off was employed, categorising experiences into a binary outcome (poor and good SRHR knowledge scores). Stepwise backward elimination logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of good SRHR knowledge. Results: The majority of the participants (56%) had poor SRHR knowledge. In the bivariate analysis, statistically significant variables included prior exposure to the SRHR course by using YouTube (OR 2.36 (1.12 to 4.97) and radio (OR 3.08 (1.20 to 7.88)), prior learning SRHR courses online (OR 1.92 (1.10 to 3.38)) and participant age group 21-24 years (OR 0.50 (0.27 to 0.93). In the multivariate analysis, prior exposure to the SRHR course through YouTube (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.48 (1.29 to 23.22)) and SRHR prior exposure through radio (aOR 5.56 (1.37 to 23.04)) were associated with SRHR knowledge. Conclusion and recommendations: UR students do not have sufficient knowledge of SRHR. Every UR student can benefit from SRHR training from reliable sources so that they can make effective choices regarding their reproductive health.