Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing PCH awareness
levels, attitudes of UCC students towards PCH promotion, and perceived
strategies for integrating PCH interventions into routine reproductive health
services for UCC students. A mixed-method approach comprised of a survey
and qualitative multiple case studies were employed to collect data from
students and healthcare professionals of the UCC hospital using questionnaires
and interview guides. Descriptive summary measures, logistic regression, and
inductive content analysis were used for the data analysis. The findings
revealed a moderate (42%) to high (51%) level of awareness on PCH-related
issues among students. More than half (54%) of students in this study
demonstrated negative attitudes towards PCH promotions. Significant
variations were found in PCH awareness levels and socio-demographic factors
such as ethnicity, religion, and programme of study. Further, ethnicity (OR =
0.736, P = 0.020), product of age and income/remittances (OR =1.160, P =
0.021), perceived poor health (OR = 2.097, P = 0.012), having reproductive
life plans, (OR =1.256, P = 0.046), future PCH intentions (OR =2.142, P =
0.00), confidence about getting PCH counselling (OR = 2.006, P = 0.00) and
confidence in practicing PCH behaviours (OR = 2.006, P = 0.00) significantly
predicted positive attitudes towards PCH promotion. Qualitative analysis
revealed awareness creation, institutional and public policy directives, and
societal reorientation was necessary for PCH integration for students. There is
a need for sensitization on PCH promotion and its relevance to improving
future reproductive outcomes of students.
