Reproductive health behaviour among in-school and out-of-school youth in Kabarole District, Uganda.

This study was conducted to elucidate whether in-school adolescents have sexual behavioural patterns that differ from those of out-of-school adolescents. A total of 300 in-school and 256 out-of-school adolescents were interviewed. Condom use was significantly higher among in-school than out-of-school adolescents. In-school adolescents had fewer sexual partners in the previous year and had started sexual activities at a later age than out-of-school adolescents. In-school adolescents were more likely to have used modern contraceptive in the past than out-of-school adolescents. We conclude that out-of-school adolescents are less likely to practice safe sex and to use modern family planning methods than in-school adolescents. This indicates the need to provide more information to this group of adolescents. They are traditionally neglected in favour of in-school adolescents, who have greater access to information.