Knowledge, Awareness, and Utilisation of Adolescent Reproductive Health Services (ARHS) Among Secondary School Learners in Ogbomoso Township, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Adolescent reproductive health services (ARHS) are essential for meeting adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs, which is a fundamental component of their rights. However, many adolescents have limited knowledge and awareness of available services, which affects informed decision-making. Therefore, assessing knowledge, awareness, and utilisation of adolescent reproductive health services is essential. Objective: This study assessed the level of knowledge, awareness, and utilisation of ARHS among secondary school learners in Ogbomoso township, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: A quantitative descriptive design and multi-stage sampling techniques were employed, recruiting 294 respondents. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire with a reliability index of 0.794, and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The relationships between socio-demographic factors and utilisation, and between knowledge and utilisation of ARHS, were tested using inferential statistics (chi-square tests). Results: The majority of the respondents (126; 42.9%), were aged 15–19 years, 234 (79.6%) respondents had below-average knowledge, 187 (63.6%) had low awareness, and 191 (65.0%) showed low utilisation of ARHS. Significant socio-demographic factors related to ARHS utilisation included age (P=0.000), sex (P=0.003), class (P=0.001), ethnicity (P=0.001), and parents’ education and occupation (P<0.005), while religion was not significant (P=0.148). A significant relationship was found between ARHS knowledge (P=0.027) and utilisation. Conclusion: Knowledge, awareness, and utilisation of ARHS were low among adolescents, with poor knowledge and awareness limiting use. School and community-based campaign, alongside professionally led seminars, are recommended to improve ARHS utilisation. Policymakers should safeguard adolescents’ right to access these services.