Socio-Economic Factors on the Utilization of Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Services in Selected Primary Health Facilities in Trans Nzoia County.

Abstract

Despite, reproductive health needs of adolescent and youths being supported by different organizations, utilization of those services is low. All efforts have not been felt across Trans-Nzoia County primary health facilities as is evidenced by persistent reproductive health problems therefore, there is a need to conduct a study on the influence, socio-economic factors on the utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services in selected primary health facilities in Trans Nzoia County. The study was anchored on sociological theory. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in Trans-Nzoia County. The target population was 2345 adolescent (10-19 Years) seeking sexual reproductive health services in 87 dispensaries and health centers each month. Dispensaries and health centers are ideal for the study since they are involved in offering primary health care. The study also targeted Community Health Assistants and Community Health Promoters. The study used multi-stage sampling procedure. For the adolescent the study adopted Slovins’ formula to get a sample of 291 adolescents. In addition, the study adopted stratified random sampling to get the sample of adolescent in each sub-county. The study adopted a census sampling technique to incorporate all the 67 targeted CHAs and CHPs. The study utilized primary data. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interview schedule. A pre-test was done in Uasin Gishu County. Quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. From the correlation analysis, the study concluded that there was a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between socio-economic factors (r=0.753; p <0.05) and utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services in selected primary health facilities. The study recommended that policymakers and government authorities should also advocate for the inclusion of a robust comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) program in school curricula.