Barriers to Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Young People in Nigeria: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Socioecological Model

Abstract

Underutilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young people is associated with many adverse sexual and reproductive health-related outcomes and morbidity. Guided by the socioecological model, this study undertook a qualitative exploration of the barriers limiting young peoples’ uptake of sexual and reproductive health services in Osun State, Nigeria. Fifty-eight young people (aged 15–24 years) from two universities and one community in Osun State were selected and involved in six focus group discussions. A thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software version 12. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and community-level barriers were identified from the focus group discussions, aligning with the socioecological model framework. The study identified various interwoven barriers to the utilization of sexual and reproductive health information and services. The interrelatedness of the factors at different levels underscores the need to design and implement multifaceted policies and interventions aimed at improving young people’s access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services.