Reproductive Health Knowledge and Services Utilization among Rural Adolescents in Machakal district, Northwest Ethiopia

Authors

  • Alemu Abajobir Amanuel Lecturer and Researcher in Debremarkos University
  • Assefa S Seme Assistant professor, Addis Ababa University

Keywords:

Rural adolescent, Reproductive Health Knowledge, Services utilization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive health knowledge and services utilization among rural adolescents in Machakel district, Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted to assess the reproductive health knowledge and services utilization. More than two-third (67%) of the adolescents had knowledge about reproductive health issues.  Late adolescence (AOR=3.77, 95%CI (3.1, 8.98)), residing with grandparents and/or other relatives (AOR=2.21, 95%CI (1.81, 6.04)) and being from rich families (AOR=3.37, 95%CI (1.65, 6.87)) were associated with reproductive health knowledge. However, only a fifth (21.5%) of the adolescents has ever utilized reproductive health services. Parent (s) disapproval, lack of basic information and peer pressure from were found to deter adolescents from accessing reproductive health services.  Late adolescents had more tendencies to use reproductive health services (AOR=2.18, 95%CI (1.13, 8.03)). The likelihood of utilizing reproductive health services was significantly associated with knowledge for reproductive health (AOR=1.23, 95%CI (1.23-4.21)). It was found that reproductive health knowledge and services utilization amongst rural adolescents remained insufficient. Community-conversation in line with adolescent-to-adolescent-counseling, peer education and parent-adolescent communication should address sensitive topics such as sex education and other reproductive health issues.

Author Biographies

Alemu Abajobir Amanuel, Lecturer and Researcher in Debremarkos University

Reproductive and Family Health, Lecturer

Assefa S Seme, Assistant professor, Addis Ababa University

Reproductive and Family Health

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Published

2013-05-25

How to Cite

Amanuel, A. A., & Seme, A. S. (2013). Reproductive Health Knowledge and Services Utilization among Rural Adolescents in Machakal district, Northwest Ethiopia. Asian Journal of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, 1(1). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJPNMS/article/view/193

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013): June 2013

Section

Articles

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