The Information Seeking Behavior of First Year Students at the University of Zambia towards Reproductive Health Information

Abstract

It is important for young adults to seek information about their reproductive health from a source that is trustworthy, reliable, correct and accurate. It is for this reason that the research aims at identifying the information seeking behavior of first year students at the University of Zambia towards reproductive health in order to ensure that students seek accurate, reliable, complete and truthful information concerning this important aspect of their lives especially at this stage of life. This study is anchored on three objectives: Firstly, to find out the knowledge levels of the respondents on reproductive health. Secondly, to determine the respondents source of information on reproductive health and finally, to find out the challenges respondents face in seeking information on reproductive health. A sample 150 was drawn from the student populace, comprising of both females and males from the schools of Education, Humanities and Natural Sciences. A mixed method study design was used to carry out the research using the stratified sampling technique to select our respondents from each school. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the students and these questionnaires consisted of both open ended and closed ended questions. The study discovered that more than 50% of the respondents are knowledgeable on STIs, Adolescence, pregnancy, contraceptives, circumcision, maternal health, genital hygiene and reproductive diseases. 25% of the respondents use the internet as their most preferred source of information concerning reproductive health information because it is the most private. In addition, 56% of the respondents cited poor communication with parents and unfriendly health personnel as a major challenge when seeking information on reproductive health. Nevertheless, the study pointed out some recommendations to the University Administration, the University Clinic and the Ministry of Higher education. The students suggested that there is much attention needed towards sensitization programs on various aspects of reproductive health. The students further recommended that educating parents on the need to provide information on reproductive health to their children and dependents will help them have a trustworthy source of information on reproductive health.