SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR, 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 Distric t in Uganda are presented. First sexual experience among female and ma le respondents occurs at quite an early age, 15 years for males and 16 years for females. Most respondents claimed to have received informat ion 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 occ ur 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 g iven for non-use were lack of knowledge about contraceptives, beliefs that they were not safe, and their non-availability. This calls for im provements in family planning education and in accessibility of contra ceptives.