Sexual and reproductive health services utilization and associated factors among adolescents attending secondary schools

Abstract

Background Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is referring to physical and emotional wellbeing and includes the ability to be free from unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and all forms of sexual violence and coercion. SRH is the main services packages that prevent and reduce adolescent reproductive health risks and problems. While the government of Ethiopia has undertaken several measures to improve SRH services, there was limited data on utilization among adolescents and associated factors. Objective To assess utilization of SRH services and associated factors among adolescents attending secondary schools in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent students aged 15–19 years. A total of 692 adolescents were selected using a multi-stage sampling from two randomly selected secondary schools, each from rural and urban settings, in Haramaya district where 642 provided complete data and included in the analysis. A structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data entry was conducted using Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with school adolescents’ utilization of SRH. Statistically significant associations are declared at P-value < 0.05. Result A total of 642 completed the survey questionnaire, constituting a response rate of 92.7% (642/692). Male adolescents accounted 63.7% and the mean age of respondents was 17.71 years. Among those who completed the survey, 23.5% (95% CI: 20–26.8) utilized SRH services. Adolescents who were exposed to SRH information (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.22–3.6), aware of SRH service providing facility (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12–3.0) and SRH service components (AOR = 2.76, 95%, CI: 1.53–4.97), and distance from SRH facilities (AOR = 2.28, 95%, CI: 1.13–4.62) were significantly associated with the utilization of SRH services. Conclusion Nearly one-in-four secondary school adolescents (23.5%) utilized SRH services. Targeted promotion of SRH providing facilities and SRH service components aimed at awareness creation could improve adolescents’ utilization of SRH services. Improved SRH services utilization among adolescents who were far from SRH services providing facilities needs further investigation.

Implementing Quality Improvement Initiatives to Improve the Use of Adolescent- and Youth-Friendly Health Services in Zou, Benin

“…Furthermore, as demand generation takes place around FP in communities, health facilities must be prepared to provide adolescents and youth with good quality services. 14 The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that to improve health outcomes and attain Sustainable Development Goals, particular attention must be given to reducing adolescent pregnancies and the risks of mortality and morbidity stemming from pregnancies. 3 In accordance with this provision, Benin established a 2018-2022 15 national multisectoral strategy for SRH of adolescents and youth to address these challenges and rectify gaps prevalent in the delivery of quality services within public and private service delivery points (SDPs).…”

“…Furthermore, as demand generation takes place around FP in communities, health facilities must be prepared to provide adolescents and youth with good quality services. 14 …”

Impact of a capacity-building intervention on views and perceptions of healthcare providers towards the provision of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional qualitative study

“…Despite the clear need for adolescents to access quality SRH services,5 6 the utilisation rate for SRH services, including contraceptives, remains considerably low among this age group 7–9. Although adolescents have considerable knowledge about contraceptive methods, they do not make use of these contraceptive methods in Nigeria 10–12.…”

“…In Nigeria, the Ministry of Health is responsible for ensuring the delivery of SRH services. The ministry collaborates with various partners such as the United Nations Population Fund, Marie Stopes International and other non-governmental organisations to provide SRH services 7 14. They ensure that adolescents and young people have access to quality health services like modern family planning/contraceptives, cervical cancer screening, vaccination and treatment of genital warts, general outpatient care, miscarriage and post-abortion care, STI screening and treatment, subfertility screening, intending couples testing and screening.…”

“…The location of health facilities providing SRH services has been revealed to be significantly associated with adolescents’ utilisation of SRH services 7. Other factors limiting SRH service utilisation among adolescents were their exposure to SRH information and awareness of SRH service-providing facilities 7.…”