Knowledge and Perception Regarding Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents Attending a Tertiary Level Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is the transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood with ages ranging from 10 to 19 years. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services are the centers where adolescents can get access to their queries regarding health of both physical as well as psychological aspect. The objective of the study was to find out the knowledge and perception regarding ASRH services among adolescents attending a tertiary level hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out among 112 adolescents attending adolescent clinic using a pretested structured interview schedule. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 through descriptive statistical method and Inferential statistical methods. Results: The study revealed majority (58.0%) of respondents had moderate level of knowledge regarding ASRH (Mean value 68.89 ± 14.59 S. D). Respondent’s had high perception towards programmatic domain. Almost all (97.3%) of the respondents had positive perception towards ASRH services. There was no statistical significance between the level of knowledge and perception, level of knowledge and sociodemographic variables at 95% confidence level. Conclusions: The study concludes that adolescents have moderate level of knowledge regarding ASRH. Adolescents have an overall positive perception towards the ASRH services but they have negative perception towards the facility of ASRH services in comparison to programmatic domain.