Abstract
BackgroundAdolescents are vulnerable to various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems such as unintended pregnancy, HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortion. Adolescent-friendly health services offer SRH services such as SRH counseling, contraceptive services, STI and HIV services, and abortion-related services, which may help prevent these risks. Parent–adolescent communication about SRH prevents adolescents from adopting unhealthy SRH practices. However, its association with the utilization of SRH services is less known. Therefore, this study examined the association between parent–adolescent communication on SRH issues and the utilization of adolescent-friendly health services in Nepal.MethodsThis was a school-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Kailali district, Nepal, among students aged 15–19 years in Grade 11 and 12 from seven schools. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between parent–adolescent communication and service utilization.ResultsWe analyzed the data from 594 students. Students with a higher score of parent–adolescent communication on SRH were significantly more likely to use adolescent-friendly health services (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.70, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.29–2.23, p<0.001). Those who reported having engaged in sexual intercourse in the past year were more likely to use services than those who did not (AOR: 29.11, 95% CI: 13.65–62.08, p<0.001). Those who belonged to the Janajati ethnic group were more likely to use these services than those from the Brahmin/Chhetri ethnic group (AOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.28–6.42, p = 0.01). Those living alone were less likely to use services than those living with both parents (AOR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02–0.66, p = 0.01).ConclusionStudents with a higher score on parent–adolescent communication on SRH were more likely to use adolescent-friendly health services. Thus, parental involvement in SRH communication could contribute to the use of adolescent-friendly health services and ultimately prevent negative SRH outcomes among students in late adolescence.
Highlights
As compared to any other age group, adolescents are more vulnerable to various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems [1]
Students with a higher score of parent–adolescent communication on SRH were significantly more likely to use adolescent-friendly health services
Those who reported having engaged in sexual intercourse in the past year were more likely to use services than those who did not (AOR: 29.11, 95% CI: 13.65–62.08, p
Summary
As compared to any other age group, adolescents are more vulnerable to various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems [1] They constitute a population of 1.2 billion, and more than 80% of them live in low- and middle-income countries [1, 2]. They are vulnerable to SRH problems such as unintended pregnancy, HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortion. Complications from adolescent pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years [1] To prevent these risks, it is vital to ensure that this population has access to SRH services [4].
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