Work

Bridging the knowledge gap: accessibility of SRHR information, services and competences of health facilities for adolescents and their care givers in rural Eastern Uganda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: A quarter of Uganda's population is aged 10-19 years and majority live in rural areas. Access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights (SRHR) remains a challenge among this population, contributing to a high teenage pregnancy rate of 24.9% in rural Uganda. The study assessed the accessibility of SRHR information, services and competences of health facilities among adolescents and their care givers in Namutumba and Bugiri districts. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 473 respondents were systematically and randomly recruited after informed consent and/ assent. Data were collected using a pre-tested electronic questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the SRHR indicators. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection. RESULTS: 51% of participants were aged between 10 and 19 years. Only 22.6% [107/473, CI:17.7-25.1] of participants had received at least three out of the 13 forms of SRHR/SGBV information. Females significantly had higher access to SRHR information compared to males [24.6%, 95% CI: 19.7-30.3, P-value-0.049]. There was no significant differences in the access of SRHR between adolescents and their caretakers. Approximately 41.9% [198/473, CI: 36.2-45.1] agreed to at least three of the eight SRH rights. Half of adolescents had experienced at least one of the nine forms of SGBV, yet only 27% [34/126, CI: 24.3,32.7] shared their experience. Only one health facility offered more than 8 family planning methods and none provided comprehensive SRHR services daily to adolescents. There were no significant differences in the competencies of health facilities between Bugiri and Namutumba districts. CONCLUSION: This study highlights significant gaps in access to SRHR and SGBV services, with limited awareness on SRHR/SGBV and inadequate reporting of SGBV cases due to stigma. Strengthening community support systems, enhancing SRHR/SGBV service delivery, and building capacity for youth- friendly programs are essential. Additionally, robust monitoring frameworks are needed to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22616-4