Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Associated Factors Among University Students in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- 1École Régionale de Santé Publique, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- 2Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- 3Institut Supérieur de Techniques Médicales Kanyamulande, Walungu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Abstract
Background
University students in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This study examined SRH knowledge, service use and associated factors in Bukavu, South Kivu.Methods
A cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey was conducted in January-February 2025 among 430 students. Previous SRH service use was defined by the direct question asking whether the respondent had ever consulted an SRH service. Categorical comparisons used chi-square or exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs).Results
The mean age was 22.00 ± 3.03 years. Of 430 students, 325 (75.6%) met the study-specific threshold for good SRH knowledge and 175 (40.7%) reported previous service use. In the adjusted model (n = 413), service use was associated with healthcare professionals as an information source (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.01-2.46), reporting cost as a barrier (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.52), and sexual intercourse in the previous three months (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.33-3.11). Good SRH knowledge was inversely associated with use (AOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82).Conclusion
Reported SRH service use was limited despite a high proportion meeting the study's knowledge threshold. The associations suggest considering practical access, engagement with healthcare professionals and students' needs alongside education. They do not establish causal effects.
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BibTeX
@article{mapendano2026sexual,
title = {{Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Associated Factors Among University Students in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.}},
author = {Carine Rebeka Mapendano and Gates Iragi Mulume and Julien Migabo Bacirhukenge and Armand Mulume and Aladin Mugisho and Joelle Nsimire Mwalungwe and Pacifique Mwene-Batu and Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka},
journal = {International journal of women's health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.2147/ijwh.s640727},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928757},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Associated Factors Among University Students in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
AU - Carine Rebeka Mapendano
AU - Gates Iragi Mulume
AU - Julien Migabo Bacirhukenge
AU - Armand Mulume
AU - Aladin Mugisho
AU - Joelle Nsimire Mwalungwe
AU - Pacifique Mwene-Batu
AU - Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - International journal of women's health
DO - 10.2147/ijwh.s640727
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42928757
AB - Background University students in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This study examined SRH knowledge, service use and associated factors in Bukavu, South Kivu.Methods A cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey was conducted in January-February 2025 among 430 students. Previous SRH service use was defined by the direct question asking whether the respondent had ever consulted an SRH service. Categorical comparisons used chi-square or exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs).Results The mean age was 22.00 ± 3.03 years. Of 430 students, 325 (75.6%) met the study-specific threshold for good SRH knowledge and 175 (40.7%) reported previous service use. In the adjusted model (n = 413), service use was associated with healthcare professionals as an information source (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.01-2.46), reporting cost as a barrier (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.52), and sexual intercourse in the previous three months (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.33-3.11). Good SRH knowledge was inversely associated with use (AOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82).Conclusion Reported SRH service use was limited despite a high proportion meeting the study's knowledge threshold. The associations suggest considering practical access, engagement with healthcare professionals and students' needs alongside education. They do not establish causal effects.
SN - 1179-1411
ER -