STIGMATISATION, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, PEER INFLUENCE AS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES UTILISATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Utilisation of reproductive health services (RHS) is essentially not only to prevent health issues such as sexually transmitted infections but to enhance fertility and overall quality of life. However, some factors may influence utilisation of these services which may be linked to undesirable health consequences. The objectives of the study were to determine if stigmatisation, religious beliefs, and peer influence are social determinants of reproductive health services utilisation among undergraduates in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The population comprised all 46,657 undergraduates of University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Four hundred and eleven (411) respondents were sampled. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for sample selection. A researchers-structured questionnaire validated and tested for the reliability was used for data collection. The reliability was established through split-half method and a co-efficient of 0.86 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. The research questions were answered with the use of descriptive statistics of percentage and mean. The findings of the study were that stigmatisation; religious beliefs; and peer influence are social determinants of reproductive health services utilisation among undergraduates in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study concluded that stigmatisation, religious beliefs, and peer influence predict students’ behaviour in regard to the use of reproductive health services. The study recommended that students should take ownership of their health choices by reducing stigma through knowledge, respecting religious values while prioritising well-being, and using peer influence as a positive force. This would empower them to make informed, responsible decisions about reproductive health services.