Factors Influencing Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents in Turkana South Sub County, Turkana County, Kenya.

Abstract

The study was on factors influencing utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents in Turkana South Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya. Services for teenage reproductive health-affiliated aspects have become important than in previous years, taking center stage in national and international. The increase in the rate of these SRH problems among secondary school students is wanting and worse in marginalized counties like Turkana County. This suggests the social and health need for adequate attention towards adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health in Turkana County. Turkana County is considered to be one of the marginalized regions across Kenya due to various aspects that include poor access to water, social amenities, infrastructure, drought, poverty and illiteracy among members of the society therefore, adolescents living in Turkana County are vulnerable to poor utilization of health services such as reproductive medical services. Generally, the objective of the study is to explore factors influencing utilization of sexual and adolescent reproductive health services among adolescents in Turkana South Sub-County. Specific objectives were: 1) To ascertain the level of awareness regarding the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among adolescents attending secondary school. 2) To estimate utilization of sexual reproductive health services among secondary school adolescents. 3) To examine the influence of social-economic factors on utilization of sexual reproductive health services among secondary school adolescents. 4) To determine the influence of health system factors on utilization of sexual reproductive health services among secondary school adolescents. The study utilized a sampling frame of Sub-county schools provided by the county education officer, categorized by type (girls-only, boys-only, and mixed). Proportional representation of each school type was calculated based on the total number of students in each category, ensuring a representative sample. Random sampling was employed to select schools from each category. the population of 337 adolescents were sampled and questionnaires were used as primary data collection method. For quantitative data, content analysis was used in SPSS version 21, and for qualitative data, content analysis was used. Findings reveal that age and sex do not significantly influence SRH service utilization among adolescents. Despite gender disparities in awareness, socio-cultural factors such as early marriage practices impact utilization. However, religious and cultural influences were not significant determinants. Economic status emerged as a crucial factor, with families' financial constraints hindering access to services despite attending boarding schools.The study underscores the importance of information availability in shaping service utilization, with limited awareness correlating with low uptake. Peer influence, age, sex, economic status, and health system challenges collectively shape adolescents' engagement with SRH services. Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive interventions, including awareness campaigns, interactive educational initiatives, improved access to services, targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, capacity building for healthcare providers, and collaboration between stakeholders.These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators to develop tailored interventions and strategies to enhance SRH service utilization among adolescents.