Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Adolescent and Youth in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: adolescents and youth characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and social changes; these were put them at high risk for several sexual and reproductive health problems. Insufficient studies have addressed the burden and risk factors of young people’s sexual and reproductive health services utilization in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the adolescents and youth sexual and reproductive health service utilization and associated factors in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: For the quantitative data, community-based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested interview-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. For the qualitative data, phenomenological study was conducted and thematic analysis was employed. Results: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be 39.5%. Youths’ preference regarding the services majority preferred special service hours designated for adolescents (55.6%), (46.9) preferred a discounted price (43.2%) preferred free service, (37% %) preferred young health providers of the same sex. Having discussion on sexual and reproductive health issues with family, living with partner/friend, convenient service hour, short distance from health facility, having sexual activity within the last 12 months were among the factors associated with sexual and reproductive health services utilization. Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be low. Considering the physical and psychological changes of adolescents’ the discussion on sexual and reproductive health matters is highly important and expected from every family.