| Summary: | Master of Public Health - MPH === Background- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) problems continue to affect
adolescents’ health and well-being even into their adulthood. Globally and especially within
sub-Saharan Africa with a heavy burden of adolescent SRH problems, increased attention is
being paid to these issues. This study looks at adolescents’ awareness, utilisation of and
experiences of the available SRH services in Omaruru District, Namibia.
Methodology- This analytical cross-sectional study used a two-stage cluster sampling
method. Data from students aged 15-19 years in secondary schools were collected and
analysed using a structured self-administered questionnaire and STATA statistical software
respectively. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research and Ethics
Committee (University of the Western Cape) and the Namibian Health Ministry. Written
parental/caregiver informed consent and written participant assent, as per the Namibian law
were obtained.
Results- While 87% of respondents had heard of SRH, 46% had ever used SRH services. Of
these 44% were contraceptive services. Fifty-one percent had ever had sex (of which 17%
had given birth to or fathered their first child), 56% of their first sexual experiences were
between ages 15-17 years. Twelve percent had used illegal drugs three months prior to the
survey. In multivariate analyses female sex, urban residence and reported sexual debut had
significant independent relationships with contraception use. Use of SRH services was
independently significantly associated with having had sexual debut. Among SRH services
users: 71% would recommend these services to their friends, 51% and 56% found health
providers welcoming, with good attitudes, and guaranteeing their privacy and confidentiality.
Conclusion
Greater effort is needed to curb teenage pregnancy in school-going adolescents by promoting
the use of all SRH services especially contraception among sexually active adolescents. It is
encouraging that respondents who had used SRH service reported that their privacy and,
confidentiality were respected and that healthcare providers’ attitudes generally satisfactory.
Lower SRH knowledge, service use and use of contraception and condoms needs further
investigation in rural youth and then programmatic and service changes tailored to their
needs. Gender norms that underpin adolescent females disadvantage in a number of SRH
areas needs to be addressed
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