Sexual behaviour, reproductive health and contraceptive use among adolescents and young adults in Mbale District, Uganda.

Results from a survey of adolescents and young adults in Mbale District in Uganda are presented. First sexual experience among female and male respondents occurs at quite an early age, 15 years for males and 16 years for females. Most respondents claimed to have received information on reproductive health. The accuracy of these self-assessments was rather poor as a relatively small proportion of the respondents could identify the safe period in a woman's menstrual cycle. The incidence of adolescent pregnancy is generally high and slightly higher in rural than in urban areas. A relatively large proportion of pregnancies occur out of wedlock. The respondents' contraceptive knowledge was quite good but many still engaged in unprotected sexual relations. The most commonly used methods were the condom and the pill. The main reasons given for non-use were lack of knowledge about contraceptives, beliefs that they were not safe, and their non-availability. This calls for improvements in family planning education and in accessibility of contraceptives.