Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology Research & Studies Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
2
Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt
3
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
10.22038/jmrh.2025.81159.2438
Abstract
Background and aim: Reproductive health reflects the health of young people throughout adolescence and adulthood; thus, it is critical to address their reproductive health needs and concerns. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards reproductive health and associated factors among university youth in Yemen.
Methods: A cross-sectional study including 576 male and female students was undertaken. Participants were selected using a simple random selection method, and data were collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and a logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with teenagers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about reproductive health.
Results: The average age of study participants was 21.7 years, 36.8% were between 22 and 24 years, and 54.9% were male. The study reported that 55.9%, 46.2%, and 73.3% of youth had poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and unsatisfactory practices of reproductive health services, respectively. Females had a higher odd of having knowledge, positive attitudes, and practices (AOR= 2.379; 95% CI: 1.591 - 3.558; p =0.001), (AOR= 2.399; 95% CI: 1.613 - 3.569; p =0.001), and (AOR= 1.501; 95% CI: 1.033 - 2.181; p =0.033, respectively). Marriage, urban residence, and independence were associated with increased knowledge, positive attitudes, and satisfactory practices.
Conclusion: Overall, youths' knowledge and practice toward reproductive health are low. While the youth attitudes were positive, they are not enough and must be strengthened among young people. Gender, marital status, residence, work, living with parents, mother's education, and monthly income level were identified as influential factors in knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
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