Knowledge, Awareness, and Utilisation of Adolescent Reproductive Health Services (ARHS) Among Secondary School Learners in Ogbomoso Township, Oyo State, Nigeria

Asisat Adeola Isamot; Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide; Praise Eniola Akintunde; Aishah Ayomide Adesina

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/21232

Authors

Asisat Adeola Isamot Ladoke Akintola University of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5589-2881
Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide Ladoke Akintola University of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2280-4547
Praise Eniola Akintunde Ladoke Akintola University of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7676-2319
Aishah Ayomide Adesina Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/21232

Keywords:

adolescents , adolescent reproductive health services (ARHS), awareness, knowledge, utilisation

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.

Author Biographies

Asisat Adeola Isamot, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Head of Department, Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Praise Eniola Akintunde, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Aishah Ayomide Adesina, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

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