A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THE COMMUNITY-RELATED DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING THE UTILIZATION OF ADOLESCENT SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES IN TONG PING AREA JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN.

Abstract

Background:

The study examined the community-related determinants influencing the utilization of ASRH services in the Tong Ping area, Juba South Sudan.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey research design whereby 177 adolescents (18-19 years) were interviewed. A probability sampling procedure was used to target the sample population.  Quantitative data was organized and analyzed through utilization of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and findings were presented using the percentage tables. Bivariate and Multivariate analyses were used to identify factors that categorically and jointly influence the utilization of ASRH.

Result:

The study established that community perception of reproductive health services was positively associated with utilization (P=0.049). The study further found out that there are limited or no public health facilities to provide ASRH in Tong Ping which led to expensive utilization. The study indicated that there are limited health facilities that offer almost no adolescent health care to the users.

The study indicated that adolescents have to move long distances to access health services. Tong Ping residents have to travel to either Juba Teaching Hospital or Munuki PHCC to access public treatment. This turns out to be very long distances that require transport costs.

However, it found out that the healthcare-seeking behavior makes it difficult to utilize adolescent healthcare services because of the perception in communities that whoever uses reproductive healthcare is a prostitute. It is a taboo for adolescents to seek health services related to reproductive health.

Conclusion:

Younger adolescents are inquisitive and have been adequately reached with SRH information and services. Due to cultural beliefs like early marriages, utilization of SRH has been hampered because the assumed users are compromised. Health care is usually sought more in critical conditions than preventive.

Recommendation:

Active sensitization of adolescents should be done through boosting peer education.