AWARENESS, PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES OF EDO STATE

Reproductive health services (RHS) are critical to the well-being of young people, yet their uptake among undergraduates remains inconsistent. This study assessed awareness, perception, utilisation, and influencing factors of RHS among undergraduate students in selected universities of Edo South Senatorial District, using the Health Belief Model as a guide. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 358 students were surveyed with a validated structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons. Findings showed high awareness but mixed perceptions, with cultural and religious influences shaping attitudes. Utilisation was moderate, with provider attitudes as the main factor. Awareness was significantly associated with utilisation (χ² = 48.672, p < 0.05) and perception with utilisation (χ² = 46.218, p < 0.05). Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, religion, ethnicity, academic level, residence, and university were significant predictors, with regression indicating higher utilisation among females (OR = 1.89, p = 0.011), 400+ level students (OR = 2.25, p = 0.004), and those in Ugbowo (OR = 1.71, p = 0.019). Awareness was also shaped by age (χ² = 10.67, p = 0.031), academic level (χ² = 11.92, p = 0.008), and residence (χ² = 9.74, p = 0.021), with regression confirming academic level (OR = 2.08, p = 0.006) and Ugbowo residence (OR = 1.72, p = 0.018) as independent predictors. ANOVA revealed utilisation differences across universities, F (2, 355) = 3.21, p = 0.042, with post-hoc showing higher utilisation in UNIBEN than Igbinedion (p = 0.038). The study concludes that although reproductive health services are available and moderately utilised, provider-related and socio-cultural barriers continue to limit optimal access among undergraduates.