Factors influencing access to sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers in Uganda : a comparative study of Kabale and Soroti

Abstract

The study aimed to find the factors influencing accessibility to sexual and reproductive health services among teenagers in Kabale and Soroti. Three specific objectives were measured that is; identification of socio-demographic factors that influence access to contraception among teenagers and the identification of the socio-cultural factors that influence access to contraception among teenagers aged 13-19 and exploring the economic factors that influence access to contraception among teenagers aged 13-19. The study used secondary data and it was presented at three levels; univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to summarize the findings of the study regarding the prevalence of contraceptive utilization in the two study religions. The findings showed that sex of the respondent was found to be statistically associated with contraceptives in Soroti well as in Kabale it was not. Respondent ever had sex was also found to be statistically associated with contraceptive use in the Soroti well as the findings contradict with the Kabale region. Level of education was found to be statistically associated with contraceptive use among teenagers in Kabala well as in Soroti it was not. The age of the respondent was the only significant variable in both regions. Therefore, the researcher recommends; promote education for the general population with emphasis on women and use of the services in rural areas. This will help to increase awareness and utilization of the services in rural areas. To improve use of postal care, the government should design policies and long-lasting programs that engage religious leaders as key informants to the people about the need of going for post-natal care. The policies and programs should be designed with emphasis on women’s places of residence. The government should also embark on ensuring quality education for all women since education was significantly associated with use of the reproductive health services.