BackgroundAvailability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents are very crucial for prevention and control of sexual and reproductive health problems. These services also play vital roles in the promotion of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health generally. The main purpose of the study was to determine the availability and accessibility (geographical and financial) of sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) among adolescents in Enugu State, Nigeria.MethodsA mixed methods approach was adopted for the study. 192 health facilities were reached to check availability of SRH services. Randomly sampled 1447 adolescents (12–22 years) completed the questionnaire correctly. Twenty-seven interviews and 18 group discussions were conducted. Instruments for data collection consisted of a checklist, a questionnaire, a focus group discussion guide and an in-depth interview guide. All instruments were pre-tested. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. NVivo 11 Pro software was used to code and thematically analyze the qualitative data.ResultsA total of 1447 adolescents (between 12 and 22 years) completed the questionnaire correctly. Among these adolescents, males constituted 42.9% while females were 57.1%. The majority (86.7%) of the adolescents reported availability of safe motherhood services, and 67.5% reported availability of services for prevention and management of STIs and HIV and AIDS. The majority reported that these services were geographically accessible but few were financially accessible to adolescents. However, qualitative data revealed that available services were not specifically provided for adolescents but for general use. Age (p = ≤ .05), education (p = ≤ .05) and income (p = ≤ .05) were found to be significantly associated with access to SRHS.ConclusionSRHS were generally physically available but not financially accessible to adolescents. Adolescents’ clinics were not available and this could affect the access of SRHS by adolescents. Education and income were significantly associated with access to SRHS.

Social influences together with local cultural norms are central factors that can influence the use of alcohol. The study, therefore, identified socio-cultural norms and roles capable of influencing alcohol use among young people in an alcohol producing community, in Nigeria. We used qualitative technique - focused group discussions among selected key persons in the area of study. Three groups; adult males, adult females and youths were engaged in discussions around the themes of socio-cultural; norms, roles, beliefs, values and practices that influences alcohol abuse. The focus group discussions lasted for 60-90 min and each group comprised 8-10 participants. The discussions took place in February 2016. Nine socio-cultural themes emerged following a thematic analysis of the findings, one of which is: Involvement of those who should control drinking in palm wine business hinder control of abuse. Using Vygotsky's Socio-cultural theory guide, the researchers were able to provide the scaffolding that supported the expression of the harmful effect of alcohol abuse and suggestions for improving control by participants.

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Despite the benefit of modern contraception, its use remains low in Nigeria. This study examined belief system as a barrier to the use of modern contraceptives among the Idoma of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Questionnaire ( n = 1107), in-depth interview ( n = 6) and focus group discussion ( n = 52) were used to collect data from three local government areas (LGAs). The results showed high levels of knowledge (88.0%), however, only 37.8% used modern contraceptives. The male condom had the highest percentage use (56.7%). Chi-square results showed that LGA, education and occupation were significantly related to the use of modern contraceptives. Being of greater age increased the likelihood of use, whereas higher levels of education and income decreased the likelihood of modern contraceptive use ( p < 0.05). Qualitative data indicated that married women were expected to eschew modern contraceptives due to their belief in Alekwu, the community deity. Designing interventions that are culturally specific could promote use of modern contraceptives among the group.

Background Drug abuse is an issue that affects all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status. It is associated with a range of physical, social, and economic consequences at both individual and community levels. Community involvement is necessary for effective drug abuse prevention. Communities need to be ready for such involvement. Methods We applied the Community Readiness Model and its assessment tool to determine the level of readiness for prevention of drug abuse in Obukpa and Ubollo communities of Nsukka and Udenu Local Government Areas of Enugu North Senatorial zone, Nigeria. Community Readiness Model and the Tool are very useful in identifying gaps in community readiness and capacity as well as guiding strategies for community initiatives. Twelve key informant interviews were conducted and analyzed according to procedures outlined in the Community Readiness handbook. Results The results of the study showed that members of Obukpa and Ubollo communities were at the vague awareness stage. SWOT analysis of the qualitative data revealed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within the communities for an intended intervention to increase level of readiness. One such strength is the church, which was identified as a viable means of disseminating information on drug abuse prevention in both communities. Conclusion Rural communities are vulnerable to drug-related problems as a result of low levels of awareness of the dangers of drug abuse. The findings of this study provided strategies and directions for future intervention programmes in the study area. Nurses and other health personnel involved in Community Health Education should take cognizance of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities within the communities in designing drug abuse prevention intervention programmes.