SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN JIGJIGA TOWN, SOMALI REGION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a period in which rapid physical, social and psychological development takes place. It is a period of opportunity, but also full of health risks. However, the family guidance center in Jigjiga Town report a high rate of sexual activity among adolescents. This involves early sexual beginning, early marriage, and a high rate of unintended pregnancies. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the level of sexual and reproductive health services utilization and associated factors among adolescent in Jigjiga town, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia July 1 to July 31, 2024. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 403 adolescents selected using a multi-stage sampling from four randomly selected secondary schools, in Jigjiga town. A semi-structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered using Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bi variable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with school adolescents’ utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. Model fitness was checked using Hosmer-Lemeshow, statistically significant associations were declared at P value < 0.05 and Adjusted Odd Ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Result: All the selected participants (n = 403) completed the questionnaire, resulting in a 100% response rate. the overall level of sexual and reproductive health service was 20.3% (CI; 16.4 – 24.3 in the past 12 months. sex (AOR = 2.082; 95% C.I: 1.013 – 4.276), marital status (AOR = 3.026; 95% C.I: 1.182 – 7.749), ever use family planning (AOR = 3.620; 95% C.I: 1.529 – 8.571) and knows where to get contraceptive method (AOR = 3.707; 95% C.I: 1.416 – 9.702) were significantly associated with sexual reproductive health service utilization. Conclusion: The study identifies key factors influencing SRHS utilization among adolescents, including sex, marital status, prior family planning use, and knowledge of contraceptive methods. These findings suggest that interventions to improve SRHS utilization should focus on enhancing to increase awareness and accessibility of contraceptive methods, and addressing the unique needs of different demographic groups.