Assessing knowledge, access, utilisation and perceptions of youth friendly spaces and services: a study on adolescent pregnancies and sexual reproductive health.
| dc.contributor.author | Mutale, Boniface | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-02T10:54:59Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-07-02T10:54:59Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | Thesis of Master of Science in Public Health Nursing. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: This study assessed the level of knowledge, accessibility, utilization, and perception of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services among pregnant adolescents attending antenatal, post-natal and Youth-Friendly Health Spaces (YFHS) at Kalwala Health Post and Location Urban Clinic in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province in Zambia. Variables assessed included the level of accessibility, knowledge, utilization and perceptions of SRH services. Methods: The study used mixed research methods with embedded research approach that integrated both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research also employed a Likert scale to evaluate the knowledge and views of adolescents, using linear regression analysis to examine the elements that affected access to and use of SRHS. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants with a sample size of 384 adolescents and 17 health care workers from Kalwala Health Post and Location Urban Clinic. The parametric statistical test that was used was linear regression analysis that compared relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26 and Micro-Soft Excel 2016 (version: 16.0.4266.1001). Findings: The research revealed that, although 75.27% of adolescents indicated having access to SRHS, merely 42.86% used them, underscoring a disparity between access and actual usage. While 74.73% recognized services at YFHS, knowledge of particular services such as family planning and menstrual hygiene was limited. Regression analysis indicated that a 1% rise in the number of adolescents aged 15-19 boosted the chances of utilizing SRH services by 0.452% (p=0.001), while for those aged 10-14, it increased by 0.321% (p=0.004). Access frequency also boosted future use, with coefficients of 0.215 for "Not often" (p=0.049), 0.342 for "Often" (p=0.007), and 0.520 for "Very often" (p<0.0001). A positive correlation existed between SRH service access (β=0.250) and knowledge (β=0.150). Knowledge of services (β=0.450, p<0.001) and Youth-Friendly Health Spaces (β=0.320, p<0.001) increase service utilization. Negative perceptions, like the stigma around SRH services (β=-0.190, p=0.008), significantly reduced utilization. Conclusion: The study urged the significance of addressing barriers through improved educational programmes, better service accessibility, and targeted interventions. Additionally, cultural and traditional values were observed from parents as main reasons for not discussing sex and sexuality with their children especially those of the opposite sex. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/9241 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | The University of Zambia | |
| dc.title | Assessing knowledge, access, utilisation and perceptions of youth friendly spaces and services: a study on adolescent pregnancies and sexual reproductive health. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |