Reproductive and Sexual Health Literacy and associated factors among late-adolescent high school students in Arba Minch and Sawla towns, Southern Ethiopia, 2023: a cross- sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Adequate literacy in reproductive and sexual health is necessary for the process of obtaining, comprehending, evaluating, and applying information on sexuality and reproduction in order to make well-informed decisions. Adolescents with low literacy make harmful decisions, take risks, and have worse health and self-management. These factors contribute to the magnitude and severity of problems related sexuality and reproduction, including unintended pregnancy, HIV/STIs, unsafe abortion, and death. On the other hand, information regarding level of literacy in reproductive and sexual health is scarce. Methods Cross-sectional study design among late adolescent students was carried out in Arba Minch and Sawla town high schools from May 20–June 20, 2023. Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit 577 students. EpiData-3.1 used to enter data and analyzed using SPSS-25. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors with limited reproductive and sexual health literacy. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were candidates for multivariable logistic regression. A Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was checked and was satisfied. Statistical significance was indicated at p-value < 0.05. Result The proportion of limitation in reproductive and sexual health literacy was 69.6% (CI 65.3%, 72.8%) [35.6% problematic and 34.0% inadequate]. Limited literacy was significantly associated with school type [public school AOR 0.28 (0.17–0.46)], mother’s occupation [merchant AOR 0.42 (0.23–0.76)], family monthly income [income 10,000–20,000 birr AOR 0.45 (0.22–0.95)], having regular physical exercise > 30 min [more than once per week, AOR 0.44 (0.23–0.84)], and knowledge about condoms [poor knowledge related to condoms AOR 2.23 (1.38–3.64)]. Conclusion A notable segment of adolescent exhibited inadequate reproductive and sexual health literacy. The result emphasizes the necessity of all relevant parties works diligently to guarantee that adolescents can easily obtain, comprehend, evaluate, and utilize reproductive and sexuality related information.