OBJECTIVES:

One in five women reported severe physical violence. In Ethiopia the area of sexual and reproductive rights are connected to religious and moral aspects mainly in rural areas where majority (85%) of the population resides. Among sexual and reproductive health risks unwanted pregnancy, short inter-delivery interval, unsafe abortion, unplanned pregnancy and its complications, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, and illiteracy. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge level of university students concerning sexual and reproductive health rights and their level of service utilization; to identify possible impending factors.

METHODS : An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed among Gondar university regular undergraduate students. Data entered into and analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software Version 21.0 for Windows. Characteristics of study participants, their response to knowledge and service utilization questions were described using frequencies and percentages in tables. Bivariate and multivariate data analysis model were employed to explore the associated factors P-value 0.05 was used as a cut-off point to declare significance.

RESULTS: Only 55.32% was found to be knowledgeable about their sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Surprisingly, only 52.4% of them had ever used reproductive health service. Discussing sexual and reproductive issues with others, participating in RH clubs, and using reproductive services considerably associated with level of SRHR knowledge. Utilization of SRH service was found to be associated with perceived risk of having STI including HIV/AIDS, and participating in RH clubs.

CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge and SRH service utilization of participants is found to be insufficient. To tackle SRH issues there should be a comprehensive and harmonized SRH service which is accessible, affordable and have adequate personnel. Additionally, the issue of reproductive health and sexuality should be incorporated in to high school as well as university curriculum.