Factors associated with utilization of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health services offered at Harare Youth Friendly Corner by the youths in Harare Urban District, 2013

Abstract

Introduction: Youth Friendly Corners were developed in Zimbabwe as a strategy to address Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health issues. Harare Youth Friendly Corner provides HIV/STI counseling and testing, pregnancy testing, contraception, post rape services, health education, and other serves to youths in Harare. There was a declining trend in utilization of services at Harare Youth Friendly Corner by youths in Harare from 0.15% in 2010, 0.25% in 2011 and 0.14% in 2012. The current rate of utilization of services of 0.2% is far below the expected 30% that was targeted when the YFC was set up. We therefore set out to find out the factors associated with utilization of the services at the Youth Friendly Corner. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted at Harare Central Hospital in Harare, were 340 youths were randomly selected and interviewed using an interviewer administered questionnaire and focus group discussion guide. Results: Associated with utilization of the services were: Awareness of the Youth Friendly Corner [OR=6.2; 95%CI(2.41-16.18)], being employed [OR=5.72; CI(2.21-14.83)], staying alone [OR=3.51; CI(1.78-6.92)], and awareness of other places providing HIV/STI counseling and iv testing, pregnancy testing, contraception, post rape services, health education, and other serves services similar to Harare Youth Friendly Corner [OR=3.5; CI(1.59-7.71)]. Conclusion: Youths who were employed, stayed alone, aware of Harare Youth Friendly Corner and places offering similar services were more likely to utilize services offered at Harare Youth Friendly Corner compared to those who were not.