Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Utilization and Associated Factors Among Preparatory School Students in Mecha District, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Most of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health problems can be alleviated through sexual and reproductive health services. However, information about the level of sexual and reproductive health services utilization is limited. Additionally, the level of service utilization varies from place to place. Therefore, this study aimed to assess sexual and reproductive health services utilization and its associated factors among preparatory school students in Mecha district, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on September, 2015 among preparatory school students. The data were entered into Epi Info version 3.5.1 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were done. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to assess the presence and the strength of association. Results: Reproductive health services utilization among preparatory school students in Mecha district was 18.4% (95%CI: 15.2%-21.9%). In the pooled multivariate analysis, having employed mother, having discussion with their families on sexual matters, having sexual exposure, and involving in school sexual and reproductive health clubs or school mini-media were significantly associated with sexual and reproductive health services utilization. Having personal income or pocket money was an additional factor which was positively associated with sexual and reproductive health service utilization among male adolescents but not statistically significant among female adolescents. Conclusion: In this study, utilization of sexual and reproductive services by preparatory school students was low. Parents, school staffs, and health professionals have great impact on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health service utilization