Factors Influencing Utilization of Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Services in Selected Primary Health Facilities in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the reproductive health needs of adolescents 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 factors influencing the utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services at selected primary health facilities in Trans-Nzoia County. Specifically, the study sought to assess the influence of demographic factors, socio-economic factors, human resource factors, and availability of medical products on the utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services in selected Primary health facilities in Trans-Nzoia County. The study was anchored on sociological theory and Andersen’s phase two model. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in Trans-Nzoia County. The target population was 2345 adolescents (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 a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study adopted Slovins’ formula for the adolescents to get a sample of 291 adolescents. In addition, the study adopted stratified random sampling to get the sample of adolescents in each sub-county. The study adopted a census sampling technique to incorporate all the 67 targeted CHAs and CHPs. The study utilized primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interview schedules. 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 demographic factors (r=0.603; p<0.05), socio-economic factors (r=0.753; p <0.05), human resource factors (r=0.690; p<0.05) and availability of medical products (r=0.729; 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. This program should cover essential topics such as sexual health, contraception, STI prevention, reproductive rights, and healthy relationships. Collaboration with educational experts to develop age-appropriate curriculum materials and teacher training programs will ensure effective delivery. The researcher also suggested that a future study should be conducted to explore in depth the cultural and social factors influencing the utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services in Trans Nzoia County. Also, a study should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs aimed at improving the utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive services in Trans Nzoia County.