THE RESPONSIVENESS OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES TO THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS OF CHUKA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Purpose: Reproductive health is essential component of public health and can considerably influence the quality of life. No previous studies had been carried out to establish status of access to these crucial services amongst the students in Kenyan universities. However, studies from other universities in other parts of the world and Africa highlighted numerous issues impending access to these crucial services. The study sought to determine whether available services were responsive to the needs of the student of Chuka University. Methodology: It adopted a descriptive cross-section research design. Findings: The results indicated that 51% (n=18) of the respondents visited the facility because they knew that the facility was offering a HIV test, 24% (n=8) visited the facility because it had convenient opening time, 14% (n=5) said that the facility had enough privacy, while 11% (n=4) had enough good service providers. Conclusions and Recommendation: The study concluded that the available services are not packaged in a way that is attractive to clients who are university students. The phenomenon leads to student seeking services in private clinics which are more appealing and responsive to their needs. Also from the findings, it was concluded that there exists a gap in sharing on issues regarding sex between parents, service providers and the students which is attributed to mystery surrounding reproductive health issues which have a bearing from religious teaching and our African culture. The study recommended that University health services should step up investment in reproductive health services targeting the student needs like, family planning, post abortion care, screening for reproductive health cancers and STI/HIV screening and treatment. These services to be offered at convenient hours and at cost which the student can afford in order to ensure access. Reproductive health component to be included among common units taught to undergraduate students, with the intention of creating awareness to the students on issues of reproductive health since most them are very naïve on these issues.