Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health rights among undergraduates in state universities in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) are universal. The objective was to describe the knowledge and attitudes and explore the perceptions regarding SRHR among undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 1575 undergraduates using stratified cluster sampling of the selected universities. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge and attitudes on SRHR. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted to explore perceptions and attitudes regarding SRHR. Three hundred and eighty-five (24.4%, n = 385) undergraduates had good knowledge, 604 (38.3%) had satisfactory knowledge and 586 (37.2%) had poor knowledge on SRHR. Males and undergraduates who had studied in bioscience stream had better knowledge than the other categories (p < 0.001). Majority of undergraduates (93.4%, n = 1463) agreed with the statement aimed at equal say among both men and women in sexual relationships, 1234 (78.8%) agreed that a woman has a right to refuse sex with her male partner anytime she wants and 511(32.7%) said women should be submissive to men. Only a very few (3.1%, n = 48) thought that the child-care would-be women’s sole response. School education, law, media and culture were identified as being related to the protection and violations of rights. Suggestions were made for the improvement of SRRs including strengthening of education and proper implementation of law. Conclusion: Undergraduates’ knowledge on SRHR was not in an acceptable level, however their attitudes were positive. Effective educational program should be implemented.