“I have never heard of this reproductive health”: young adults’ understanding of the link between sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health in Eastern Cape, South Africa

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL) enables young adults to make informed health decisions through knowledge empowerment, without which sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes are compromised. This study is apt, given the experimental nature of young adults with risky sexual behaviours, combined with the high burden of HIV and teenage pregnancy in South Africa. We explored young adults' understanding of the link between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and SRH in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, so that health educational interventions responsive to young adults can be proposed. METHODS: Using a semi-structured guide, we conducted interviews with seventeen young adults aged 18-24 to achieve data saturation. These young adults were identified through a heterogeneous purposive sampling technique. All interviews were audio-recorded (with participants' permission), and field notes were taken to complement audio materials. The interviews were transcribed and translated into English before being thematically analysed using NVivo version 15 software. RESULTS: The findings of this study have provided insights into young adults' understanding of the link between sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health, including enablers and deterrents to the utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Three themes emerged from the analysis, including young adults' STI/SRH knowledge and knowledge gaps, the implications of young adults' poor STI/SRH knowledge and young adults' utilisation of SRH services. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the importance of tailoring health education interventions to effectively address the broad range of sexual and reproductive health challenges affecting young adults.