Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and information-seeking behavior among middle eastern female university students: a systematic review |
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| Authors: | Manal Farih Della Freeth Khalid Khan Catherine Meads |
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| Institution: | 1. Women's Health Research Unit, Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, England;2. Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene &3. Tropical Medicine, London, England;4. Health Economics Research Group, Brunel University, London, England |
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| Abstract: | Objectives: The objective of this study was to collate the level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behavior among female university students, in addition to identifying their sources of information in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted with a search in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception to February 2013. Included were studies in any language describing sexual and reproductive health knowledge and attitudes among female university students. Results: Nine studies were included, and all were cross-sectional surveys. There was a general lack of knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. The highest knowledge levels reported were for HIV. Conclusions: There are deficiencies in sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behavior in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Studies are needed to evaluate how to provide culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health information. |
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| Keywords: | Sexual health reproductive health female university students Middle East North Africa |
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