Abstract:
Youth and adolescents account for the highest number of population
in Ethiopia which can potentially contribute to the development of the
country. However, there are several sexual related problems which can
hinder them from being productive. Several organizations are working to
promote Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services including safe sex
practices to reduce the extent of the problems. Most of the previous studies
focused on the identifications of negative factors that can hinder adolescents
and youth from safe sexual practices. The aim of this study is to identify
facilitative factors which can help adolescents to develop their capacity for
better decision about safe sexual behavior. These factors are identified at
individual, family and organizational levels by using salutogenic approach as
a guiding principle. A qualitative cross-sectional study design was used to
investigate factors affecting adolescents and youths’ safe sexual behavior by
using an in-depth interview and FGD. The results show various facilitative
factors at different levels of the community. SRH knowledge and life
motives are identified as resources at individual level while strong childrenparental communications are motives at family level. Availability of SRH
integrated services and involvements of peer counselors are motivating
factors identified at organizational level. These facilitative resources are vital
in developing the capacity of the youth and adolescents for safe sexual
behavior. Poor parental communication, peer pressure and socioeconomic
problems related to youths living departed from their families are identified
as barriers. These factors make individuals likely to have less sense of
coherence to use the available resources. This study suggests the
involvement of parent in youth SRH service promotion to reduce the strong
cultural ties distancing children-parental discussion on sex and sexuality.
