Students of Bishkek higher education institutions are poorly informed about reproductive health and its impact on the quality of life. Authors of a study conducted by the Bishkek International Medical Institute came to such a conclusion.
The analysis showed that the situation with young people’s awareness of sexual and reproductive health issues is critical. If no measures are taken, it can lead to health risks.
The consequences will be an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and infertility in the reproductive age population.
More than half of the women surveyed and 76 percent of the men surveyed are sexually active. At least 19 percent of women and 33 percent of men started sexual life before the age of 18. Most respondents, who are sexually active, use contraceptives (condoms or birth control pills). The vast majority of women and men do not experience any difficulties in purchasing contraceptives.
However, 10 percent of women and 5 percent of men experience psychological difficulties when buying them.
«The most disturbing fact is that 56 percent of women and 61 percent of men point out the possible low quality and unknown brands of contraceptive manufacturers. 14 percent of men and 7 percent of women also note high prices for such means,» the study says.
The authors of the document emphasize that young people are reluctant to visit medical institutions where they can meet adult acquaintances. Therefore, they consider it necessary to create a wide network of youth medical and educational centers. It would be possible to receive medical assistance, psychological and social support in them.
More than 900 students of KGUSTA, KTU, KRSU, INAI, BHU, KNU took part in the sociological survey. The study examined the state of reproductive health of university students aged 18 to 25, their sexual behavior, access to reproductive health services and information. The author of the study is Honored Doctor of the Kyrgyz Republic Alfiya Samigullina.
