Article Title: Adolescents’ Reproductive Health Problems, Service Preferences, and Accessibility
Author(s): Kassim Kimo and Kibrie Makuria
Institute(s): Academic Standard, Relevance and Quality Assurance Directorate, Arsi University, Ethiopia, East Africa; Health Profession, Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia.
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 2017, Vol. 32, No. 2, 407-427
Correspondence Address: Kassim Kimo, Academic Standard , Relevance and Quality Assurance Directorate, Arsi University, Ethiopia, East Africa. E-mail: karayu2008@gmail.com
Abstract
In Ethiopia, the sexual and reproductive health of young people has become a major public concern, particularly with the advent of HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study was to assess adolescents’ reproductive health problems, service preference, and accessibility in Adama city. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were employed for data collections. A total of 252 adolescents filled the questionnaire and three focus groups discussion with selected key informants were conducted. The quantitative data obtained from participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. From the findings of the study, it was observed that, despite having sufficient information on reproductive health issues, the adolescents were facing different reproductive health problems. Besides, regarding the accessibility, the study found that many adolescents were not served in the existing health institutions for their reproductive health needs; those who got access to it claimed that the existing health institutions were inconvenient and unattractive. Finally, based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were also forwarded.
Keywords. Reproductive health problems, service preferences, adolescents, Ethiopia
