Utilization of Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents at Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Aim: To explore and describe the factors that influence utilization of reproductive health services among adolescents seeking for services at the Child and Maternal Health Hospital (MCHH) in Kumasi, Ghana. Sample: Adolescents between ages 15 to 19 years receiving health services at MCHH. Study Design: Qualitative exploratory design was used to explore and describe the factors influencing utilization of reproductive health services among 10 selected adolescents through interviewing method. Place and Duration: District hospital in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana over a period of one week. Methodology: Interview guide was used to collect responses. Content analysis was used to analyze their responses. Results: The study found that, most adolescents knew about reproductive health and their sources of information were their mothers and health care staffs. However, most of them have specific information needs such as, information on sex, preventive services such as family planning and how to avoid pregnancy. Majority of them were aware that, reproductive health services were provided in health facilities but did not know about specific services provided. Most of them will access services only when they are involved in risky sexual act, when they want to check for pregnancy or treat STIs and not for preventive services such as family planning and health education. Conclusion: The above findings show that utilization of reproductive health services among the youth is low. Low levels of awareness on existing reproductive health services among the youth and staff attitude towards adolescents contributed to poor utilization of reproductive health services. Hence, factors that were found to influence utilization of reproductive health services among adolescents were; source of information on reproductive health and awareness on the type of reproductive services provided at the facility. This has serious implications on adolescents' reproductive health.