Abstract

This is an assessment of access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
services in Kampala district. It examined knowledge and perceptions about SRH, social,
economic and cultural factors that limit access and utilization of SRH, and the strategies
for addressing the challenges faced. Kyanja parish in Nakawa division which is located in
Kampala district was purposively selected as the study area. A purposive and simple
random sampling techniques were used in selecting 77 respondents from the 5 zones in
the parish. The study was cross- sectional and it employed both qualitative and
quantitative methods of data collection. The results of the study reveal that respondents
understood SRH in different ways. Majority of the respondents believe that SRH is a general
reproductive health care among women. However, some men think that women who seek
for SRH are immoral something that limit most women from seeking for such services on
time. The study also indicated that decision making in households especially on where and
when to go for maternal health care, household’s decision, and control over physical and
financial resources are mostly undertaken by males (husbands). Women’s level of decision
making is minimal due to gender and cultural norms and practices that prohibit them to do
so. This combined with the beliefs that led to delays in seeking for SRH can lead to
complications and even death either the baby or mother. Basing on the findings, the
following are recommended; There is need to address the existing gender and social
cultural factors that limit women’s liberation, through empowering women economically,
income generating projects to enable them have resources to seek care, health education,
community sensitization, and teaching of mothers on the importance of SRH more so
antenatal care visits.