Use of gynaecological care by young women in Togo: focus on students and analysis of the determinants at the University of Lomé.

Objectives: The study aims to gain a better understanding of the needs and health behaviours of young women at the University of Lomé (Togo) with regard to gynaecological care.

Study Design: The data comes from a self-administered online survey.

Methods: A logistic regression was applied to model the likelihood of non-use of gynaecological care.

Results: Among the 281 women who completed the survey, 75% declared they had not consulted a gynaecologist or healthcare professional for a question related to intimacy or contraception in the last 12 months, mainly because of the financial barrier (65%). But needs do exist as 73% of women would like to be able to consult for such reasons. Multivariate analysis shows that increasing age (21-24 years, odds ratio [OR] = 0.442, P value < 0.05); 25-33 years, OR = 0.190, P value < 0.001), practicing Christian religion (OR = 0.331, P value < 0.1), being insured (OR = 0.398, P value < 0.05), having a father with primary education level (OR = 0.320, P value < 0.05) were protective factors. In contrast, the size of the households [6-8 members, OR = 2.763, P value < 0.1), and the student's income (Q2, OR = 3.136, P value < 0.05; Q3, OR = 2.993, P value < 0.05; Q4, OR = 4.433, P value < 0.001) favoured a higher probability of non-use of gynaecological care.

Conclusion: Gynaecological needs are real among young women, and gynaecological health promotion is a necessity among this cohort. Quality health promotion can be achieved practically through the enlargement of health insurance, and partnership with healthcare professionals as well as community/religious leaders. This would further demystify biases related to seeking gynaecological care.