Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs and Service Utilization among Adolescents in Nepal

Nabaraj Adhikari^1, , Shahad Uddin², Krishna Prasad Sapakota³ and Saraswati Adhikari⁴

¹Master of Public Health, The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), The Netherlands, Nepal

²International Social Welfare and Health policy Scholar, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway, United Kingdom

³Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Health and Allied Sciences, Department of Public Health, Pokhara University Lekhanath Dhungepatan, Kaski, Nepal

⁴Master of Population Gender and Development, School of Development and Social Engineering, Pokhara University Lekhanath Dhungepatan, Kaski, Nepal

Cite this paper:
Nabaraj Adhikari, Shahad Uddin, Krishna Prasad Sapakota and Saraswati Adhikari. Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs and Service Utilization among Adolescents in Nepal. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2020; 8(2):47-53. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-8-2-2

Abstract

Background: Adolescents can experience various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. It is crucial to make sure that adolescents use SRH related services and information to protect themselves from any complications such as early and unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and psycho-sexual problems. Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore SRH needs and SRH service utilization by adolescents in Nepal; factors influencing utilization of SRH services; and to provide recommendations for the optimal improvement and use of existing SRH services. Study Method: This is a descriptive study which is based on a review of the literature according to the “WHO framework for understanding adolescent help-seeking behavior and use of social supports”, which was adapted in to this paper. Findings: In Nepal adolescents are concerned about sexual development and reproductive health. However, current health programs are not completely addressing these issues. Limited knowledge, social and cultural associations with SRH services, health staff competencies to address adolescent SRH, and friendliness of health facility staff influence health seeking and SRH service utilization by adolescents in Nepal. Conclusion: Despite all of the efforts from the government and non-governmental sectors, utilization of SRH services by adolescents in Nepal is low because of various factors that are often interrelated. There is a need to further improve the adolescent friendliness of services, promote these (free) services, and to increase use of SRH services in Nepal.

Keywords:
adolescents sexual and reproductive health seeking utilization

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