Journal of Preventive Medicine & Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Context: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is essential to young people’s well-being, yet many adoles cents especially in Cameroon continue to face sociocultural and economic barriers that limit their access to accurate information and services. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SRH problems among second ary school students in the Dschang Health District and identify key determinants influencing these outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted from December 2024 to July 2025 in 21 secondary schools within the Dschang Health District. Data were collected through a structured, administered face-to-face questionnaire. Participants were randomly selected, and a total of 600 students were included. Data were analyzed using R and Microsoft Excel software 2016.

Results: Among the 600 participants, 85% had heard of sexual health, 46% knew how to use a condom, but only 29% had ever utilized SRH services. Overall knowledge was moderate (57.5%). Key barriers to service use were limited financial accessibility (64%) and social stigma or fear of judgment (74%). Protective factors significantly associated with reduced SRH problems included dialogue with parents (p = 0.001), sex education at school (p = 0.005), practicing protected sex (p = 0.004), and knowledge of the menstrual cycle (p ≈ 0.006).

Conclusion: Participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, with limited use of available services. The main barriers were reduced accessibility to services, social stig ma, and fear of judgment. Positive determinants of SRH outcomes included parental dialogue, school-based sex education, practicing protected sex, and knowledge of the menstrual cycle.