Sexual and reproductive health services utilization and its predictors among students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Aim: Students are the most persecuted group for reproductive health problems due to their predisposition to risky sexual behavior. The current study sought to ascertain the pooled prevalence of sexual and reproductive health service utilization and its determinants among Ethiopian students. Methods Materials: Both manual and electronic searches were undertaken. Data were extracted and examined using Microsoft Excel and STATA statistical software version 14. The pooled prevalence of sexual and reproductive health service utilization was calculated with 95% confidence intervals, and the significance level between factors that are associated with sexual and reproductive health service utilization was determined using a log odds ratio. Results: There were 1520 articles found, but only 18 of the articles with a total of 12,338 study participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. The pooled estimate of students use of sexual and reproductive health services was 42.606% (95% CI: 32.917%- 52.295%; I² = 88.3%). Discussions with family/friends (OR=3.033, 95% CI=2.217-4.150, P-value 0.001, I²=75%) and knowledge (OR=2.215, 95% CI=1.105-4.515, P-value=0.025, I²=85%) were predictors of sexual and reproductive health service utilization among students. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, less than half percent of students used sexual and reproductive health services. Knowledge and discussions with families/friends/peers were predictors of sexual and reproductive health services use among Ethiopian students. To improve student-parent communication habits about sexual and reproductive health issues, a comprehensive and multi-sectoral collaboration is required. Further health education and communication are critical methods for improving students knowledge of sexual and reproductive health services in Ethiopia.