Youth-friendly Services Research Articles

Reproductive health service use and associated factors among youths in Becho district, southwest Ethiopia.

Young people are less informed, less experienced, and less at ease when it comes to accessing reproductive health services than adults. Though youth-friendly services are designed to accommodate the unique needs of youth, in developing countries like Ethiopia, studies on the level of utilization of reproductive health services are limited. This study determined the level of reproductive health (RH) service use and associated factors among youths. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Becho district, Illubabor zone, southwest Ethiopia. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 702 youths, regardless of their marital status. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire includes questions on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and reproductive health characteristics, knowledge, and components of RH assessment. The data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the utilization of reproductive health services at a p < 0.05. A total of 647 youths participated in the study, constituting a response rate of 92.1%. Male youths made up 51.5% of the respondents, with an average (±SD) age of 19.38 (±2.69) years. Reproductive health (RH) services were utilized by 43.9% of youths. Knowledge of RH services (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 2.77, 6.09), discussion with family (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.38, 3.45), history of sexual exposure (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.95, 4.43), shorter distance from a health facility (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.63, 3.57), and history of reproductive health problems (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.31) were associated with RH service utilization. The use of reproductive health services among youths is found to be low. Knowledge about reproductive health services, discussion with parents, sexual exposure, distance, and previous experience with reproductive health problems shaped the utilization of RH services by youth. Improving knowledge through information dissemination, creating awareness to increase parent-child intimacy, and expanding health services should be emphasized.

Common mental health and emotional and behavioural disorders among adolescents and young adults in Harare and Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe: a population-based prevalence study

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of common mental health disorders (CMDs) and emotional and behavioural disorders among young people and to explore the correlates of CMDs risk.SettingFive urban and periurban communities...

Disruptions to youth contraceptive use during COVID-19: Mixed-methods results from Nairobi, Kenya.

Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents is a global priority, given the detrimental health and economic impact of unintended pregnancies. To examine whether and how COVID-19 affected access to SRH services, we use mixed-methods data from young men and women in Nairobi, Kenya to identify those at greatest risk of contraceptive disruptions during COVID-19 restrictions. Analyses utilize cross-sectional data collected from August to October 2020 from an existing cohort of youth aged 16-26. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression examined sociodemographic, contraceptive, and COVID-19-related correlates of contraceptive disruption among users of contraception. Qualitative data were collected concurrently via focus group discussions (n = 64, 8 groups) and in-depth interviews (n = 20), with matrices synthesizing emergent challenges to obtaining contraception by gender. Among those using contraception, both young men (40.4%) and young women (34.6%) faced difficulties obtaining contraception during COVID-19. Among young men, difficulty was observed particularly for those unable to meet their basic needs (aOR = 1.60; p = 0.05). Among young women, risk centered around those with multiple partners (aOR = 1.91; p = 0.01), or who procured their method from a hospital (aOR = 1.71; p = 0.04) or clinic (aOR = 2.14; p = 0.03). Qualitative data highlight economic barriers to obtaining contraceptives, namely job loss and limited supply of free methods previously available. Universal access to a variety of contraceptive methods during global health emergencies, including long-acting reversible methods, is an essential priority to help youth avert unintended pregnancies and withstand periods of disruptions to services. Non-judgmental, youth-friendly services must remain accessible throughout the pandemic into the post-COVID-19 period.

Sero-prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among youth-friendly services Attendees.

Worldwide, more than one million peoples acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The burden of STIs and the youth awareness level on the transmission of STIs is under investigated in Sidama Regional State. To determine the seroprevalence of STIs such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, and syphilis and to determine associated factors among youth-friendly services Attendees at selected health facilities in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 randomly selected youth attending youth-friendly services at selected health facilities from May to August 2021. To collect the background characteristics of participants an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Blood samples were collected, processed, and tested using Advanced Quality One Step rapid colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for detection of antibodies for syphilis and hepatitis C virus infection, and hepatitis B virus surface antigen. For the diagnosis of syphilis Rapid Plasma Reagin was also used. HIV1/2 STAT PAK, HIV1/2/O ABON and HIV1/2 SD Bioline were used for testing antibodies for HIV infection. Data entry and analysis were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. A crude and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to identify associated factors. The overall seroprevalence of STIs was 11.5% (48/422), with a 95% CI: (8.7-14.9). Out of the 48 positive results, the proportions of HBsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 56.3% (27/48), 27.1% (13/48), 10.4% (5/48), and 6.3% (3/48) respectively. Out of 416 participants, 17.1% responded that it is safe to have sex without using a condom. The Odds of developing STI among female participants, participants who did not identify alcohol intake as a risk factor for STIs, and those who engaged in transactional sex were (AOR = 2.989: 95% CI: 1.27, 7.02), and (AOR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.81) and practice of transactional sex (AOR = 5.527, 95% CI: 1.62, 18.75). STIs are common among youth-friendly services Attendee in Hawassa city The overall STI was significantly associated with sex (females), not able to identify alcohol intake as a risk factor, and practice of transactional sex. High number of (n = 289, 69.5%) participants think that the use of condoms is not effective in preventing STIs and they engage in sexual activity without using condoms.

Awareness, Utilization and Perception of Sexually Transmitted Infections Services Provided to Out-of-School-Youth in Primary Health Facilities in Tshwane, South Africa.

Despite the availability of different health care initiatives and interventions, young people are still faced with barriers in accessing reproductive health care services; thus, they are exposed to health-related issues such as sexually transmitted infections. To determine the awareness, utilization and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services provided to out-of-school-youth in primary health facilities in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey with a sample size of 219 to determine the level of awareness, utilization and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services provided to out-of-school-youth in Tshwane district. Out-of-school-youth between the ages of 18-24 years participated in the study. Most of the participants (90.8%, n = 199) were female. Service utilization was high in females compared to their male counterparts. There is availability of youth-friendly services in primary health care facilities, however, the level of service utilization among young people is still a challenge evidenced by 12.1% (n = 74) of participants who never sought treatment for STIs, although they had STI symptoms. Furthermore, 52.0% reported that they were not happy with the health services they received when they had STIs. These findings clearly indicate a gap in service delivery for young people regarding reproductive health issues; thus, the low health care seeking behavior among the youth. Condom use was 69.1% and/or inconsistently used among the youth; about 80% of the participants had low perceptions of the risk of contracting STIs. The self-reported risks of HIV and AIDS was 46.8%. Approximately 20% reported that they would not refuse to have sex if their partner did not want to use condoms. These findings showed risky behavior among the participants, and shows that the level of awareness about the risk of contracting STIs is still poor. Irrespective of facilities with youth-friendly services, out-of-school-youth still display poor perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services due to health care providers' attitudes, limited resources, and working hours. Furthermore, the level of awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections is poor, hence the display of risky sexual behaviors.

Suicide attempt and its determinants among youth in central, north, and west Gondar zones, northwest Ethiopia: Findings from the youth health project.

Suicide is a deliberate attempt to take one's own life. Suicidal behavior among adolescents and young people, a significant global public health issue, is under-researched, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and their determinants among school-aged and out-of-school youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones of Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 March to 15 April 2019, among youth in the central, north, and west Gondar zones. The data for this study were extracted from information collected for the assessment of common health problems and risky behaviors among youth. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect the data using face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the independent determinants of suicide attempts. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the presence and direction of the association between the dependent and independent variables. A total of 1,597 youth participated in this study, and the mean age of the participants was 19.1 ± 2.8 standard deviations (SDs). The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in the study participants was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.4, 6.8%). Risky sexual practices (AOR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.19-2.99), the presence of common mental health problems (AOR = 6.31, 95% CI: 3.78-10.88), having a personal income (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05-2.71), and a history of violence (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.76-4.49) were significantly associated with a suicide attempt. In this study, the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts among youth is high. The presence of common mental health problems, having a personal income, risky sexual practices, and a history of violence increase the likelihood of suicide attempts. Working on the reduction of risky sexual practices, ensuring the integration of psychological treatment into medical treatment programs for victims of violence, psychosocial support for young people, and integrating youth-friendly health services to promote mental health would help to reduce suicide attempts among youth.

Key informants’ perspectives on policy- and service-level challenges and opportunities for delivering adolescent and youth-friendly health services in public health facilities in a Nigerian setting

BackgroundIntegrating the care of adolescents and young people into existing public health facilities requires deliberate efforts to address challenges related to policy and service provision. This study assessed key informants’ perspectives on policy- and service-level challenges, and opportunities, for implementing a strategic framework for adolescent and youth-friendly health services (AYFHS) in public health facilities in a Nigerian setting.MethodsSeventeen key informants were interviewed including members of the Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) Technical Working Group (TWG), program managers of non-governmental organizations (NGO), State and local level health officials, and youth representatives, in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.ResultFindings from this study indicate that some health workers continue to have a negative attitude toward young people’s sexual and reproductive health. There was some level of inclusion of adolescents and young people living with disabilities in ASRH programming which is welcome and extremely important. Some of the challenges in ASRH service provision included insufficient coordination of activities of donors/partners working in the adolescent health space. Also found was the missed opportunity to strengthen policy implementation with research, and the need for increased focus on mental health, substance use, and other aspects of adolescent and young people’s health. There was noted the opportunity to explore the Basic Health Care Provisions Funds (BHCPF) as a new source of funding for health services for AYP in Nigeria.ConclusionThis study provided the context of the implementation of a strategic framework for adolescent reproductive health in a Nigerian setting from the perspectives of policy and service-level stakeholders. Opportunities for improving program delivery identified include ensuring research-based policy implementation and seeking program sustainability through tapping into new sources of funding.

Adolescent pregnancy outcomes in Jos, North Central Nigeria: The roles of disclosure and social support systems

ABSTRACT Adolescent pregnancy is mostly unintended and an indicator of unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. In most African cultures, sociocultural and religious expectations of chastity make unintended adolescent pregnancy a traumatic experience. This study examined the roles of disclosure and social support networks in determining adolescent pregnancy outcomes in Jos, Nigeria. Using a qualitative design, we conducted in-depth interviews with 17 young persons aged 16–24 years, recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Informal social support networks, mainly mothers and close friends, played prominent roles in pregnancy disclosure. The fear of unsafe abortion complications and lack of other options forced most participants into early motherhood. Parenting issues also contributed to unintended adolescent pregnancies. Participants noted that adolescent males had better access to contraceptive devices like condoms. Additionally, the absence of formal opportunities for institutional support through education and youth-friendly SRH services constituted barriers to preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies. Considering the important role family plays, preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies requires empowering parents on SRH communication. A gender-based approach to adolescent-friendly SRH services is recommended. The Nigerian government needs to reconsider how to provide contextually-acceptable comprehensive sexuality education to young people.

Are youth-friendly reproductive health services accessible for young people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria?

Are youth-friendly reproductive health services accessible for young people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria?

Emerging public health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: A review.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed new and has aggravated already existing public health challenges in Malawi and worldwide. Having a better understanding of these challenges can help facilitate the identification of solutions and designing further public health interventions and policies for effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents an overview of the situation of COVID-19 in Malawi and identifies emerging public health challenges that the country is facing amidst this pandemic. It is based on a review of relevant key policy documents, reports, and publications. Some of the key emerging challenges identified in Malawi are worsening population health and socio-economic status; health system challenges like inadequate financing and human resources, disruption of essential health services; a rise in mental health conditions and suicide rates; teenage pregnancies and early marriages; and changes in some health policies. The findings point to the need to invest more in strategies for health promotion, health system strengthening and avoidingdisruptions and recovery of services. These should include COVID-19 vaccination promotion campaigns, improvement of the public health surveillance system, strengthening the health workforce, implementation of health financing strategies, procurement of adequate essential medicines and supplies, and strengthening of youth-friendly reproductive health services, community health services and community engagement. These will ensure that the health system in Malawi is well-equipped to deliver resilient, sustainable and quality health services amidst and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic thereby promoting progress toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malawi.

‘It’s like there’s no staff here – we’re all a friendly bunch of people’ – Young service users’ experiences of peer support in a youth-friendly service

‘It’s like there’s no staff here – we’re all a friendly bunch of people’ – Young service users’ experiences of peer support in a youth-friendly service

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Adolescents generally face problems regarding sexuality and reproductive health due to limited and lack of information and advocacy, no access to youth-friendly services, limited government institutions that specifically deal with youth, no laws that accommodate youth rights, and no reproductive health curriculum for adolescents. Correct knowledge and understanding of reproductive health can be a provision for healthy and responsible behavior. The purpose of this community service activity is to provide benefits for adolescents to have knowledge and awareness of the importance of reproductive health as an effort to maintain their reproductive health. The method used is lecture, question and answer and discussion. The result is that adolescents obtain information and there is an increase in adolescent knowledge about reproductive health, so that adolescents obtain the right information as a provision to behave and behave in a healthy manner during the physical maturation process.

Exploring the voices of health promotion stakeholders concerning the implementation of physical activity programs for the social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls

Physical activity and sport programs have been promoted as a strength-based way to enhance social and emotional wellbeing in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. However, there is limited evidence that describes how these programs may be tailored for girls. Semi‐structured interviews with health promotion stakeholders (N = 11) explored organizational perceptions of the needs and preferences of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in relation to physical activity and social and emotional wellbeing. Interviews also investigated best practice approaches for implementing holistic health programs for the population. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) Perceived physical activity and health service needs, preferences and behaviours and (2) Best practice engagement strategies and associated challenges. A need for culturally safe, youth-friendly services was emphasized, where physical activity and sport may play an influential role. Program development recommendations included focussing upon health literacy, utilizing co-design and creating culturally secure, fun environments.

Assessment of the Capacity of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors to Provide Contraceptive Services to Adolescents in Kaduna State, Nigeria

The contraceptive Prevalence Rate among adolescents has remained extremely low in Kaduna State due to limited access to health facilities with youth-friendly services. Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMV) are the most widespread health facilities and the first point of access for family planning commodities in Nigeria. Providing contraceptive services to adolescents requires specific sets of skills and an environment that are youth friendly. This study examines the capacity of PPMV to offer contraceptive services to adolescents. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. We interviewed 462 PPMV selected from urban and sub-urban Local Government Areas (LGA) of Kaduna State using a multistage random sampling technique. Data analysis was based on percentages conducted with SPSS software, version 20. Findings from the assessment show that PPMV are a mix of professionals and lay providers. 43.1% possess a qualification in Nursing, midwifery, or community health, and 18.8% have received specific training on contraceptive services. 91.6% are dispensing contraceptives that are suitable for adolescents, and 97.4% are willing to acquire additional training to provide adolescent-friendly contraceptive services for both the married and unmarried. The study equally shows that most PPMVs have private space (70.1%) for confidential counselling and operate seven days a week (86.6%) and twelve or more hours a day (83.3%). Pharmacists Council of Nigeria should consider expanding the scope of contraceptive services that PPMV can provide based on their training.

Declines in Pregnancies among U.S. Adolescents from 2007 to 2017: Behavioral Contributors to the Trend

Adolescent pregnancies and births in the United States have undergone dramatic declines in recent decades. We aimed to estimate the contribution of changes in 3 proximal behaviors to these declines among 14- to 18-year-olds for 2007-2017: 1) delays in age at first sexual intercourse, 2) declines in number of sexual partners, and 3) changes in contraceptive use, particularly uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). We adapted an existing iterative dynamic population model and parameterized it using 6 waves of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We compared pregnancies from observed behavioral trends with counterfactual scenarios that assumed constant behaviors over the decade. We calculated outcomes by cause, year, and age. We found that changes in these behaviors could explain pregnancy reductions of 496,200, 78,500, and 40,700 over the decade, respectively, with total medical and societal cost savings of $9.71 billion, $1.54 billion, and $796 million. LARC adoption, particularly among 18-year-olds, could explain much of the improvement from contraception use. The 3 factors together did not fully explain observed birth declines; adding a 50% decline in sex acts per partner did. Delays in first sexual intercourse contributed the most to declining births over this decade, although all behaviors considered had major effects. Differences from earlier models could result from differences in years and ages covered. Evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, including comprehensive sex education, youth-friendly reproductive health services, and parental and community support, can continue to address these drivers and reduce teen pregnancy.

Intimate Partner Violence and Contraception among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Girl Power-Malawi Cohort

PurposeIn sub-Saharan Africa, sexually active adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and low levels of contraceptive use, but the effect of IPV on contraceptive use is not well understood. MethodsIn the Girl Power-Malawi study, AGYW aged 15-24 were recruited from 4 health centers in Lilongwe, Malawi, and followed for 1 year. At baseline, AGYW were assessed for IPV using the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. AGYW reported contraceptive method use at 6 and 12 months, characterized as barrier, non-barrier, or any modern method. Modified Poisson regression was implemented to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the effect of IPV on contraceptive use. ResultsOne thousand AGYW were enrolled, and 954 non-pregnant participants were included. Baseline prevalence of IPV with the most recent partner was 35.5% (physical), 46.2% (sexual), and 76.9% (emotional). Baseline IPV did not affect contraceptive use at 6 months (aRR [95% CI]: physical 0.98 [0.91-1.05]; sexual 1.00 [0.94-1.07]; emotional 1.03 [0.94-1.12]) or 12 months (physical 0.95 [0.89-1.02]; sexual 0.96 [0.90-1.02]; emotional 0.98 [0.91-1.05]). None of the 3 IPV categories affected contraceptive use when the outcome was restricted to either barrier or non-barrier methods. ConclusionsIn this cohort, IPV was not a key driver of contraceptive use in longitudinal analyses. Interventions are needed to address the alarming rates of IPV in this population, but addressing IPV alone might be insufficient to address low contraceptive use, and multifaceted youth-friendly health services might be necessary.

Assessment of Factors Affecting Practice Towards HIV/AIDS Among In-School Youth in the West Guji Zone, South Ethiopia, 2021

Back Ground: Human immune deficiency virus was a worldwide pandemic, yet there is no proven medicine and vaccine to cure or prevent it. Prevention is only the mainstay to control the spread of the virus. Thus, continuously assessing factors affecting prevention practice towards HIV among young populations is relevant. Methods: This cross sectional study design was conducted from December 01/2020 To January 01/2021. The multistage sampling technique was used and a total of 615 participants were enrolled. Epi-Data version 4.4.3.1 for data entry and SPSS Version 25 for analysis was used in this study. Descriptive statistics; frequency, percent and inferential statistics were needed. Statically significance cut point settled at p &lt; 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Out of the 615 participants, 586 were completed the questionnaires in which 95.3% of respondents rate. The overall scores of poor knowledge, unfavorable attitude, and unsafe practice in the current study were 25.1%, 27.5%, and 24.2%. Of all study subjects; 38.7% were undifferentiated HIV from AIDS and 20.1% of them were wrongly reported as HIV/AIDS was a curable disease. Slightly more than half 51.5%, 28.2%, and 19.3% of the respondents were misbelieved that HIV transmitted by mosquito bit, eating food cooked by HIV positive person, and handshaking respectively. Early practice sexual activity at age &lt; 15 years old was reported by 70(50.4%) and mean age for the first sex was (15.68 + 2.13SD). Females were 71.6% time more likely protect AOR = 0.284, 95% CI = 0.18-0.43), Age group 15-19 (AOR = 4.69, 95%CI =2.33-9.42), singles in marital status (AOR= 7.03, 95%CI =3.19-15.52), Visiting sexual related video (AOR= 0.202, 95CI = 0.11-0.38) and sharing sharp (AOR= 0.089, 95%CI = 0.04-1.21) were factors significantly associated. Conclusion: Misbelieve regarding ways of HIV transmission, level of knowledge, and practice gap were identified in this study. Being male, age group 15-19, single, visiting sexual related video, and sharing sharp materials were factors affecting practices towards HIV. As a result, continuous age-appropriate youth-friendly health services emphasized HIV risk behavior reduction should be given to the youth. In addition, all stakeholders including health care institutions, education institutions, and mass-medias give strong concern to alleviate misconceptions around HIV/AIDS.

A safe place – Adolescents’ and young adults’ perceptions of youth clinics in northern Sweden

Background/objectiveAdolescents and young adults are a diverse group with varied health needs. In Sweden, youth clinics are critical for improving their sexual, reproductive, mental, and general health. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of key conditions needed for youth friendliness, and to better understand youth-friendly health services from the perspective of adolescents and young adults in northern Sweden. MethodsInformation was collected through focus group discussions and interviews with 23 adolescents and young adults (aged 16 to 25) at youth clinics in each of the four northernmost regions of Sweden. Interviews were analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. ResultsThree themes and six sub-themes emerged. A safe, empowering and holistic space, outlines how youth-friendly physical spaces and staff contributed to a sense of safety in contrast to other healthcare facilities. The theme Youth clinics are accessible – but reaching out is challenging, refers to low thresholds for visiting youth clinics and perceived barriers to access. The third theme “You feel a bit vulnerable” – the importance of privacy, highlights privacy dimensions and young people’s vulnerability when their privacy is compromised. ConclusionAdolescents and young adults perceived youth clinics as being youth-friendly. Key conditions for youth friendliness were safety, respect, a holistic and empowering approach, accessibility, and privacy. Youth-friendly opening hours and outreach to specifically target groups with access barriers are needed. Young people should be involved in the development of equitable youth-friendly health services.

Exploring Innovative Teaching Approaches to Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Oluno Circuit, Oshana Region of Namibia

Access to youth-friendly services is critical to ensuring Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the psychological well-being of adolescents. This qualitative study explored the innovative teaching approaches to adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and rights education during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Oluno circuit. A sample of 10 Life Skills teachers was purposively selected and individual face to face interviews were conducted. Data was analysed using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that the radio, WhatsApp, recorded audios and handouts were used to engage learners on sexual reproductive health information when schools were closed. It is further established that WhatsApp and the radio were the mainly used methods because they were appropriate and user friendly. The findings also indicate contradictions in the Life Skills teachers’ experiences on the use of social media approaches due to poor internet connectivity in remote areas. The study suggested the provision of free data to learners and teachers to enable the timely teaching and learning of the right and age-appropriate Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights information (SRHR).That underscores the urgent need for schools to adopt modern learning to be proactive in training of both teachers and learners on the use of various technological devices in case another pandemic hits the country in the future.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario: Development and initial implementation of integrated youth services in Ontario, Canada.

The need for youth-friendly early intervention services to meet the mental health, substance use, primary care, and other social needs of adolescents and young adults is well-documented. This article describes Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, a province-wide initiative in Ontario, Canada to build and implement a one-stop-shop model of integrated youth services. We describe the development of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, in the context of global youth mental health system transformation, as well as pan-Canadian youth mental health system change. We also describe Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario's values and services. The demonstration phase of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario was initiated in 2017-2018. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is co-created with youth for youth aged 12-25 years old across diverse community contexts. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario centres engagement and equity, and offers developmentally-appropriate services in an integrated, community-based walk-in format. As an initiative committed to continuous learning and quality improvement, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario offers evidence-based and evidence-generating services, and measurement-based care. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is supported by backbone resources with expertise in implementation science, health equity, Indigenous practices, youth and family engagement, evaluation, and knowledge translation. In 2020 Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario secured sustainable funding for the first 10 locations and scale-up began in 2021, with 10 additional locations in development. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario demonstrates the feasibility of integrated mental health and substance use early intervention services, offered in the context of a broad range of health and social services.