Utilization of Health Services for Reproductive Health Problems among the Undergraduates in Ogbomoso

This study is on the utilization of health services for reproductive health problems among undergraduates in Ogbomoso.

Methodology: The study employed cross-sectional survey design. The target population were undergraduates in various faculties in LAUTECH. Stratified sampling technique was employed in order to select a representative sample of students. Samples were selected from different faculties in proportional to their size of the student population.

Instrument: Data was collected using a pre-tested self-administered anonymous structured close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared based on the available literature and the opinion generated from the undergraduates.

Ethical consideration: Students who gave their consents to participate in the study received elaborated explanation on the purpose of the study.

Data analysis: Data processing and analysis were done using EPI info version 6.04 and SPSS 10.1 statistical programs. Frequencies and percentages and statistical significance were considered at p value less than 0.05 using Pearson product moment correlation.

Result: revealed that there is a significant relationship between students' level of awareness and utilization of reproductive health services, also there is a significant relationship between students' attitude and utilization of health services. . Furthermore, majority of the undergraduates prefer the use of Pharmacy stores while others prefer the use of Private health institutions or alternate therapy for their reproductive health problems. The study also revealed that the major barriers in utilizing reproductive health services by undergraduate students are fear of being seen by people whom they know, the attitude of health workers and the cost service provided.

In conclusion, the level of health services utilization in terms of reproductive health problems was found to be unsatisfactory thus the health facilities including the university health centre must adopt a new strategy that will help these undergraduates.