Factors Influencing the Uptake of Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Rubanda District, South Western Uganda.
Introduction: Globally, adolescents face a remarkable challenge of insufficient access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services. However, even where such services exist, often their uptake by the adolescents tends to be low as a result of a number of factors. The main aim for t...
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| Format: | Thesis |
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Kabale University
2023
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/1234 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Globally, adolescents face a remarkable challenge of insufficient access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services. However, even where such services exist, often their uptake by the adolescents tends to be low as a result of a number of factors. The main aim for this study, therefore, was to assess the factors influencing the uptake of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health services in Rubanda District.
Methodology: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with qualitative and quantitative approach. A total of 387 adolescent respondents drawn from target population of 21273 were involved in the study that used a self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions. Key informant interviews were also carried out at selected health facilities. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.
Results: Of the 387 study participants, 136(35.1%) accessed ASRH services in Rubanda district. The most commonly offered ASRH was HIV testing and counselling, 66(17.1%), while most ASRH services were offered at Hamurwa HC IV, 93(24.0%) and Muko HCIV 45(22.4%). The results also revealed that older age (18-19 years; AOR= 2.1; 95%CI: 1.2-3.5, p <0.001) and residence in other town council than Bubaare (Hamurwa; AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 0.8-5.8, p = 0.134; Rubanda; AOR = 3.6; 95%CI: 1.9-6.7, p <0.001; Ikumba; AOR = 3.6; 95%CI: 1.9-6.9, p <0.001) were associated with higher access to ASRH services, while females were less likely to utilize ASRH (AOR= 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.9, p = 0.020).
Conclusions and recommendations: The uptake of SRHS in the study was low and was attributed to age, sex, and residence; and there were suggestions that it could be improved by making the health facilities comfortable for adolescents, particularly by providing separate units and time for the consultations. The study recommends strengthening access to youth-friendly reproductive health services by according the adolescents the privacy they need. |
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