Access to sexual and reproductive health information among adolescents: a case study of Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU)

Abstract

This study examined access to Sexual Reproductive Health Information among adolescents at three Reproductive Health Uganda clinics. The objectives of the study were to: establish the information needs of adolescents, identify sources of SRHR information, examine how adolescents access SRHR information and establish the challenges adolescents face while accessing SRHR information. The study adopted a descriptive survey design research approach. Stratified and purposive samplings were used to select the adolescents and health workers from whom to collect data respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that 56% of adolescents access SRH information to make informed decision about their health. The most preferred means of information for adolescents is telephones (12.9%) and meetings (28.8%). Adolescents that preferred to receive information from friends, parents and teachers were 24%, while 22% preferred receiving information from counsellors, doctors and health workers including nurses and in charges at the health facilities. On the other hand, 34% suggested that Radios, Newspapers, Televisions, Internet, Magazines and SMS would be the preferred ways through which information on SRHR should be availed to them. The challenges faced while accessing SRH information included: adolescents receiving information through rumors (40.9%), low knowledge on how to approach and search for information on SRH (31%), lack of interest in SRH information (34%) and Poor infrastructure like power, telephone, postal services, which limit access to SRH information (31.7%). Suggestions were made towards improving access to SRH information at RHU and these included: cascading the Peer-to-peer information approach, availing alternative sources of information and provision of trainings among others. In conclusion, this study identified gaps in information utilisation, access, usage of sources of information and the different information needs of adolescents which vary according to the age bracket of adolescents and mostly influences by their peers. As part of the recommendations of the study, it was noted that there is need for the society to devote time and resources to ensure that the adolescents acquire the desired information from trained personnel to assist make informed decision on Reproductive Health Rights, also the study recommends that parents should be the primary source of information to adolescents since they spend most of the time with them