Sexual and reproductive health issues and associated factors among female night school students in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues and associated factors among female night school students in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: 16 night schools were selected from 4 zones in the Amhara Region. The data were collected between 1 January and 28 February 2019. PARTICIPANTS: 1428 female night school students aged 15–24 years. OUTCOMES: Prevalence of SRH issues, defined as those who had experienced at least one SRH issue during their lifetime (including sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy, early marriage and abortion). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used in the analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of SRH issues was 32.7% (95% CI 29.5% to 35.9%). Having secondary education (adjusted (OR) AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.86), being single in marital status (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.74), not discussing SRH issues with their families (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 2.13 to 3.40) and poor knowledge of SRH services (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI 2.08 to 3.32) were significantly associated with SRH issues. CONCLUSION: The lifetime prevalence of SRH issues among female night school students was high. Being single, having a secondary education, not discussing SRH issues with family, and having a poor understanding of SRH services were associated with SRH issues. Qualitative studies should be conducted to explore students’ feelings and intentions about SRH issues.