Evaluation of adolescent/youth.friendly sexual and reproductive health services: A 7-year systematic review from January 2016 to April 2022

Abstract

Adolescent/youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) play a vital role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent SRH. This review examined studies carried out on adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS with focus on availability, accessibility, utilization as well as perception of health care providers, and adolescents about the services. The study design was systematic review of empirical studies using a well-defined strategy. Online journal was searched comprehensively using Web of Science, Google Scholars databases, PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE. Other sources were identified through the scanning of references of selected sources. The articles selected were between 2016 and 2022 and had qualitative/quantitative and mixed methods. The articles that met the selection criteria were also screened using PRISMA-P guidelines and SPIDER framework for systematic review was further used for inclusion criteria based on the following concepts: sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation and research type. A total number of 32 studies were included in the study and findings were reported based on the five emerging themes. The review showed that majority of the adolescents were not aware of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS, some health care providers were not also in support of the services which accounted for low utilization of the services among adolescents. The review further showed poor accessibility and nonavailability of AYFSRHS as the only available SRHS were meant for married adults. Therefore, these findings serve as evidence for policy-makers at all the levels of healthcare delivery system to considered all the factors observed in this review and develop strategies that will make adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS available and accessible to adolescents. More so, other stakeholders, especially health care providers must improve their attitude toward provision of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS.