Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Ugandan Youth: 2003-04 to 2012.
OBJECTIVE
Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) increases morbidity, mortality, and gender inequity and slows development. In Uganda, youths represent 20% of the population, and the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is substantial.


METHODS
We analyzed survey data collected using the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) technique from two time periods, 2003-2004 and 2012. We assessed knowledge, behaviors, and access to SRH services of youths aged 15-24 years. Using logistic regression, we examined factors associated with these indicators.


RESULTS
All indicators have improved between the early and later time period. Youths knowing where to get HIV tests increased from <40% to 80% (both sexes); the number of youths reporting ever having an HIV test increased from 8% to 48% (males) and 10% to 64% (females). Knowledge of other STIs improved but remains low; only half of respondents know signs and symptoms of STIs, and less than half know what action to take when infected. In the late period, 85% of female youths, compared with 93% of males reported knowing where to obtain condoms. The proportion of youths reporting sexual debut before age 15 years decreased, less so for males than that for females. Increased age and level of education are associated with positive change for most indicators.


CONCLUSIONS
Over the last decade, progress has been made toward improving the SRH of young people in Uganda. Further efforts are required to ensure universal access and sufficient health education to facilitate the continued improvement of safe sexual behaviors among youth aged 15-24 years.
Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Nadine
N
Crossland
Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
Wilbur C
WC
Hadden
Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
William E
WE
Vargas
Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Joseph J
JJ
Valadez
Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Caroline.Jeffery@lstmed.ac.uk.
Caroline
C
Jeffery
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult
Adolescent health; LQAS; Logistic regression; Lot quality assurance sampling; Sexual and reproductive health; Uganda