Adolescent utilization of sexual and reproductive health services in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Insights from multilevel and latent class analysis

Sidamo, Negussie Boti; Abebe Kerbo, Amene; Gidebo, Kassa Daka; Wado, Yohannes Dibaba

doi:10.3389/frph.2024.1356969

Cited by 3 publications

References 58 publications

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Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with the utilization of youth- friendly sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers and young adults in Kigali city, Rwanda

Nyirarukundo,

Venuste,

Nsangiyumva

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (YFSRHSs) play a paramount role in supporting the physiological, cognitive, emotional, and social evolution of young people into healthy and productive adults. In Rwanda, services are provided by health facilities with trained healthcare providers and youth centers where young people are additionally equipped with short professional courses such as welding, cooking, football, and computer literacy, among others. This study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes toward YFSRHS and determine the factors associated with their use among non-married or cohabiting teenagers and young adults (TYAs) aged 15–24 years. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey in which data were collected from July 8 to 22, 2024. The collected data were analyzed via STATA version 17. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to identify factors associated with the utilization of the YFSRHS. Statistical significance was assumed at a p value less than 0.05. Setting: Data were collected in three districts of Kigali city in Rwanda, Eastern Africa. Results This study revealed that out of the 850 TYAs included in the study, both sexes were nearly equally represented: 49.4% females versus 50.6% males. The proportions of TYAs with adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and practices were 76.9%, 70.0%, and 60.0%, respectively. The predictors of YFSRHS use include living in the Gasabo district [aOR:4 with 95% C. I: 2.5–6.1], being aware of the services [aOR:3.8 with 95% C. I: 2.3–6.2], having adequate knowledge of YFSRHS [aOR: 2.6 with 95% C. I: 1.7–3.9], being a student in a school located near lodges/guest houses [aOR:1.6 with 95% C. I: 1.0–2.6], being female [aOR: 1.6 with 95% C. I: 1.1–2.3], being cared for by a father [aOR:2.4 with 95% C. I: 1.4–4.1] or a mother only [aOR: 1.8 with 95% C. I: 1.8–2.7], and having positive attitudes toward YFSRHS [aOR: 1.8 with 95% C. I: 1.2–2.7]. Furthermore, the number of TYAs who ever used YFSRHS was 2.2 [aOR: 2.2 with 95% C. I: 0.9–5.1] times more likely to be using contraceptives, and 2.4 [aOR:2.4 with 95% C. I: 1.6–3.4] more likely to have been tested for HIV than those who were not. Conclusion Despite the apparent benefits of YFSRH in increasing the uptake of HIV testing and contraception services among TYAs in Kigali city, their use remains low, mainly due to a lack of adequate knowledge, which in turn affects the positive attitudes of TYAs toward YFSRHS, especially among males. Thus, efforts aimed at increasing the utilization of services should focus on increasing awareness of TYAs in services, with a particular emphasis on males and those at greater risk of HIV and unintended pregnancies.

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Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with the utilization of youth- friendly sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers and young adults in Kigali city, Rwanda

Nyirarukundo,

Venuste,

Nsangiyumva

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Sidamo,

Kerbo,

Wado

et al. 2024

Front. Psychiatry

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IntroductionPerceived social support plays a crucial role in adolescent development, health, well-being, and resilience. Understanding the factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents is essential for designing effective interventions. However, research in this area, particularly within specific contexts, remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents in the Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 1172 adolescents selected through a stratified multi-stage sampling method. Structured face-to-face interviews were employed for data collection. Summary statistics were utilized for data presentation. Multiple linear regressions were then performed to identify factors associated with perceived social support. The strength and direction of associations were presented using β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of statistical significance was set at alpha 5%.ResultThe total mean for perceived social support among adolescents was 57.02 ± 12.68. Adolescents living with their biological parents reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support (β = 4.17, 95% CI: 2.00 to 6.34) compared to their counterparts. Similarly, adolescents engaged in paid work within the last 12 months reported higher perceived social support (β = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.39 to 5.46). Higher levels of parental monitoring were also associated with increased perceived social support (β = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.82). Additionally, adolescents who perceived risks for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems reported higher levels of perceived social support (β = 2.76, 95% CI: 0.84 to 4.69). Moreover, adolescents with good knowledge about SRH rights exhibited increased perceived social support (β = 2.46, 95% CI: 0.89 to 4.02). Furthermore, adolescents residing in rural areas reported higher levels of perceived social support compared to those in urban areas (β = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.11).ConclusionThe findings of this study reveal that factors such as living arrangements, employment status, parental monitoring, perceived risks for SRH problems, knowledge about SRH rights, and geographical context emerged as important predictors of perceived social support. Therefore, implementing interventions and initiatives to address these identified factors holds promise for nurturing resilient adolescent social support networks.

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A policy brief: improving access and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Southern Ethiopia

Sidamo,

Abebe Kerbo,

Gidebo

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundAdolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is fundamental to the overall wellbeing and development of young people. In Southern Ethiopia, adolescents face significant barriers to accessing and utilizing ASRH services: they include limited information, pervasive cultural stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Addressing these barriers is critical to reducing unintended pregnancies, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and achieving national and international health objectives. Despite the existence of policies aimed at improving ASRH, these challenges persist, highlighting the urgent need for targeted policy reforms and effective implementation strategies to ensure a healthier future for adolescents in the region.Main findingsRecent research has identified substantial barriers to ASRH services in Southern Ethiopia. Key challenges include widespread gaps in knowledge, socio-cultural stigma, and strong influences from family and peers, compounded by limited service availability. The absence of adolescent-friendly care, coupled with insufficient outreach efforts, further restricts access. Healthcare providers also encounter significant obstacles, such as stigma, inadequate training, and a lack of institutional support, which undermine their ability to deliver effective services. Service utilization varies markedly based on geographic location, economic status, and educational attainment, with approximately half of adolescents lacking a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Moreover, persistent stigma, low levels of social support, and limited self-efficacy continue to hinder the uptake of these essential services.Policy implicationsTo improve ASRH services in Southern Ethiopia, a multi-faceted approach is imperative. Increasing public education through school programs and awareness campaigns can mitigate stigma and misinformation, fostering a more supportive environment. Initiatives such as providing transportation support and establishing mobile health clinics will significantly improve access for adolescents in underserved areas. Strengthening healthcare services by offering specialized training for providers and establishing adolescent-friendly clinics will elevate the quality of care. Engaging families, communities, and peer networks is essential for building a supportive framework that encourages adolescents to utilize SRH services. Finally, implementing skill-building and counseling programs will empower adolescents to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes across the region.

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Adolescent utilization of sexual and reproductive health services in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Insights from multilevel and latent class analysis

Cited by 3 publications

References 58 publications

Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with the utilization of youth- friendly sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers and young adults in Kigali city, Rwanda

Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with the utilization of youth- friendly sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers and young adults in Kigali city, Rwanda

Factors associated with perceived social support among adolescents in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

A policy brief: improving access and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Southern Ethiopia

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