Factors influencing access and utilisation of preventive reproductive health services by adolescents in Kenya : a case study of Murang'a District

摘要: Sexual and reproductive health is part of physical emotional well-being all human beings. Adolescents globally have unique sexual needs accompanying vulnerabilities. Many adolescents face risks early debut, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, unplanned pregnancies illegal abortions. These challenges threaten their survival. The 1994 International Conference on Population Development stressed that adolescent are basic rights. It emphasised the need to offer services information address across lifespan. For effectively transit into adulthood, they be provided with factual, affordable, accessible, confidential, non-judgemental friendly services. Despite this recognition, preventive (PRHS) programmes remain largely inadequate in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, efforts provide care faced numerous challenges. include lack mandatory insurance, facilities, shortage providers. decentralized delivery system Kenya causes disparities service provision, favouring urban as opposed rural areas. The purpose study was establish factors influence access utilisation by in-school Kenya. This goal achieved carrying out a four months research Murang'a District focused five priority themes: (i) Understanding concerns adolescents, (ii) availability for (iii) level (iv) Existing policies how affected provision services, (v) accessing utilising Data were collected structured face-to-face interviews 114 25 providers 18 key informants. also used documents analysis observation methods. Qualitative data analysed using content analysis, whereas quantifiable coded SPSS. This has established had unmet behavioural, psychosocial, emotional, maturation, developmental gender-specific concerns. further did not specific adolescent-friendly low. due following factors: school adequate awareness among available Other included clear effective guide caregivers about existing policies, restrictive eligibility criteria rigid legal requirements parental consent, judgmental attitude professional bias