Assessment of the Reproductive Health Needs of Unmarried Out-of-School Adolescents in Amhara Region, South Wollo Zone, Dessie Zuria Woreda
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Assessment of reproductive health needs of unmarried out- of- school adolescents
who are 10-1 9 years is required to prepare them as a respons ible and healthy
persons at later life.423 samples respondents selected from Dessie Zuria Woreda
by stratified systematic random sampling method were interviewed.
Majority of respondents knows about physical changes during puberty. There is
poor knowledge about risk of conception during menstruation. Knowledge about
legal age at marriage is at moderate level but more among females than males.
Majority believed that any intercourse will not result in pregnancy. Though
problem of premarital sex is known, first sexual intercourse (38 percent)
happened at mean age of 16 years. Abortion and rape are known to majority of
respondents. Correct knowledge about contraception is known to more males
than females. Injectables, oral pills and condom are known in higher proportion.
Knowledge about STI and HIV is at relatively moderate and low level
respectively. Knowledge on modes of HIV transmission is at very low level.
Health extension workers are the major source of knowledge on reproductive
health matters. Knowledge on RH matters does not differ significantly between
male and female adolescents. Less knowledge about availability of health centre
and less accessibility to health centre are observed. Treatment seeking behavior
of adolescents has to be improved. There is a need to create awareness about the
,,> importance of later age at marriage; knowledge on risk of conception, safe period,
contraception, avoiding premarital sex, and mode of transmission of STI/ HIV. In
~ddition to the general population, Muslims, literates and those in low standard
of living needs more attention in providing information on RH matters through lEC
programmes to be implemented by governmental, non-governmental and
community based organizations.
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Assessment of the Reproductive Health