Abstract:
Background: utilization of sexual and reproductive health services is an important component
in preventing youths from different sexual and reproductive health problems. It plays a vital role
in safeguarding youth in Sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia, which accounts for a
high proportion of the region’s new HIV infections as well as maternal and infant mortality
ratios.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess sexual and reproductive health service
utilization and associated factors among school youth in Metekel zone
Methods: A school based cross sectional survey was conducted from November 21 – 26, 2013
Using simple random sampling technique six schools were selected and a total 778 school youths
(aged 15-24) were selected. A pretested structured self administrated questionnaire was used to
obtain the necessary information after getting written and oral consent. Data were coded, entered,
cleaned by using Epi- data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Both binary and multiple
logistic regressions were employed to determine the association between dependent and
independent variables.
Result: Among 751 students who returned the questionnaire, 334 (44.5%) ever utilized sexual
and reproductive health services. Factors associated with SRH utilization were being grade 10
[AOR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.16, 0 .52], those whose mother educational status is primary school were
[AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.62], Ever have had sexual intercourse [AOR=3.24, 95%CI: 1.97,
5.33]. 3.21, friends as information source about SRH service [AOR=7.14, 95%CI: 2.25, 22, 70)
and having ever discussed sex related issue with their parents [AOR=3.46, 95%CI: 2.31, 5.18].
Conclusion and recommendation This study revealed that there was relatively low utilization
of SRH service. Grade level of youths, parental marital status ever hears of SRH; ever have had
sexual intercourse, discussion with family on sexual related issues and source of information
about SRH service were factors associated with utilization of SRH service in the study area.
Therefore, facilitating parent to child discussion on SRH issues, strengthening IEC/BCC
program on school youth SRH services, establishing and strengthening of youth centers and
school reproductive health clubs are the recommended interventions.
