Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Sexual and Reproductive Health among Secondary School Students in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is intricately connected to a variety of factors, including cultural norms, psychological influences, and individual experiences. This study explores the experiences of late adolescents regarding SRH, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Despite government efforts to educate youth on SRH, many secondary school students remain vulnerable to issues like unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health among secondary school students in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. The study targeted secondary school students from two schools: Groupe Scolaire Saint Vincent Pillotie Gikondo (urban) and EFOTEK (rural). Using Fisher’s formula, a sample size of 423 respondents was determined through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that 88% of students were aware of puberty and pregnancy processes, while 78.7% were knowledgeable about contraceptive methods, particularly condoms and oral contraceptives. Positive attitudes towards SRH were noted, with a mean score of 4.00 for pre-marital relationships, but significant misconceptions existed, such as 11% of respondents lacking knowledge on HIV protection. The overall mean for practices related to SRH was 3.98 for seeking medical check-ups, indicating a willingness to engage with health services. However, practices promoting healthy lifestyles received a lower mean of 3.25, suggesting areas needing improvement. The study highlights the need for enhanced sexual and reproductive health education among secondary school students in Kicukiro District. While students demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitudes toward SRH, targeted interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote healthier practices, particularly in areas related to lifestyle and open communication.