ABSTRACT: University libraries, as centers of learning, have increasingly incorporated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) awareness programs to provide students with credible health resources, including digital materials, workshops, and informational sessions. This study investigates the role of library-based SRH awareness programs in Nigerian universities, focusing on their impact on students' SRH knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Using a mixed-methods approach, data collection included surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, involving 300 students. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo. The findings reveal both the effectiveness and limitations of library-based SRH programs. Availability remains a major challenge, with 95% of respondents rating SRH workshops and seminars as very low. Access to SRH books, journals, and digital resources is similarly restricted, with 40% rating it as very low and another 40% as low. Online and social media-based SRH awareness programs show slightly better accessibility, with 50% rating them as moderate. However, collaboration with health organizations remains extremely low (90% very low). Student engagement is minimal, with 95% reporting very low participation, despite 70% finding SRH resources useful. Key barriers include cultural beliefs (70% very high), financial constraints (95% very high), and institutional policies (70% very high). Despite these challenges, SRH programs have positively impacted students, with 95% reporting increased knowledge, 75% noting improved attitudes, and 90% acknowledging a very high influence on decision-making. Findings from this research provide valuable insights for librarians, educators, and policymakers to enhance library-based health education initiatives. Recommendations include strengthening digital health services, training librarians as SRH facilitators, and integrating SRH materials into academic curricula. This study contributes to youth-centered health education policies, emphasizing the role of university libraries as essential platforms for SRH literacy and offering a model that can be adapted in other African institutions to promote informed reproductive health decisions among youth.
Mohammed et al. (Wed,) studied this question.