Reproductive Health Knowledge and Services Utilization among Rural Adolescents in Machakel woreda, East Gojam Zone, ANRS, Northwest Ethiopia, 2012.
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Date
2012-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO) adolescents are defined as
persons between 10 and 19 years of age; nearly 20% constitute Ethiopian population and fourfifth
live in rural areas. Studying their reproductive health knowledge, services utilization and
associated factors is highly relevant to design age-appropriate program interventions and
strategies in the local context.
Objective: To assess the reproductive health knowledge and services utilization among rural
adolescents in Machakel woreda, East Gojam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Northwest
Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the reproductive
health knowledge and services utilization of rural adolescents in Machakel woreda. The study
employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. A systematic random sampling technique
was used to select 415 adolescents from eligible households. Data were collected through
structured pre-tested questionnaire and using in-depth interview guides. The data were entered
into Epi Info and analyzed by using SPSS software for windows. Univariate, bivariate and
multivariate analyses were done.
Result: More than two-third (67%) of the adolescents were knowledgeable 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 have ever utilized reproductive health services. Parent (s)
disapproval, lack of basic information and pressure from partners 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)).
Conclusion: It was found that reproductive health knowledge and services utilization amongst
rural adolescents remained insufficient. Community-conversation in line with adolescent-toadolescent-
counseling, peer education and parent-adolescent communication should address
sensitive topics such as sex education and other reproductive health issues
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Reproductive Health Knowledge and Services Utilization among Rural