European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) is defined as an infection of the reproductive or genital tract which causes health problem affecting adolescent females of reproductive age. Aim: The study aimed to assess health practices among female university students regarding the prevention of RTIs at Hafr Al Batin University. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted with 500 female students recruited at Hafr AlBatin University using a purposive sample. A semi-structured interview sheet was used followed by fifty students used for face-to-face interviews. Results: Mixed methods study proved the importance of in-depth data discovered by qualitative approaches, which revealed that there is a highly statistically significant relation among studied students' marital status, maternal education & profession, and their total echo levels regarding the prevention of RTI, (P<0.001). Around 68% of them reported having symptoms of RTIs. Conclusion: The majority of female students had unsatisfactory knowledge about RTIs, their prevention, and unhealthy hygienic practices. Recommendations: Further researches are needed to investigate the incidence if there are cultural contributory factors leading to RTIs and adequate preventive interventions. Lastly, there is a need to develop strategies towards improving adolescent students' health awareness and provision of appropriate reproductive health services.