Determinants of access and utilisation of adolescent and youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents in Kibiga Sub County, Kiboga District

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent health needs, behaviours and expectations are unique and most health care services are not well informed to provide these services. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived reproductive health problems, health seeking behaviours and experiences, knowledge about available services and barriers to reach services among adolescents in Kibiga Sub County. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was used, using qualitative approaches, to establish the determinants of access and utilization of youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents in Kibiga Sub county Kiboga district. Findings: Socio-cultural norms and taboos regarding adolescent sexual behaviour were the most significant factors preventing adolescents from accessing services. Findings also show a wide spectrum of structural factors influencing access and uptake of SRHS. Findings further show a variety of economic factors affecting access, the most prominent of these being lack of employment costs, and adolescents’ lack of SRH knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendations: Overall, the present health care system has failed to provide appropriate, adequate and acceptable SRH services to adolescents which reduces their levels of utilisation and access – mostly due to economic, sociocultural and individual barriers. A multicomponent strategy should be developed including promotion of youth friendly health care services in the community by the local government; a formal referral system between the community and the youth friendly health care services and community support interventions.