Predictors of young people’s use of sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria: a mixed-method approach

Abstract

Background Sexual and Reproductive health Services (SRHS) are essential for prevention and control of SRH problems among young people and the achievement of sustainable development goal 3. These services may be available but certain factors interfere with their access and utilization by the young people. This study sought to determine factors that predict the utilization of SRHS among young people in Enugu State, Nigeria. Methods The study adopted mixed method research employing cross-sectional research design. The population of the study comprised young people within the ages of 12 and 22 years. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 1,447 young people used for the study. Questionnaire, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Percentages, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo software.ResultsSocio-demographic factors of gender, age, education, income and living status (p = < .05) were significant predictors of utilization of SRHS. Psycho-cultural and health system factors (p = < .05) were also significant predictors of utilization of SRHS.Conclusion The study concluded that some socio-demographic factors (of gender, age, level of education, income and living status), psycho-cultural and health system factors can be used to predict young people’s utilization of SRHS. These predictors could be addressed through home sex education, regular training of health care providers on youth-friendly services delivery and policy reforms.