Utilisation of adolescent reproductive and sexual health services in a rural area of West Bengal: A mixed-method study

Utilization of adolescent-friendly health services and its determinants in a rural area of Maharashtra

Context

Adolescent phase is a very crucial period in one's life, much emotional and psychological support is needed for an adolescent to bloom into a responsible adult. But unfortunately adolescents do not get the support or they fail to seek support due to lack of awareness. Government of India, to address this issue has established dedicated adolescent friendly health services (AFHS). This study estimates the utilisation of adolescent friendly health clinics in a rural area of Maharashtra.

Aims

Aim is to the study the utilisation of adolescent friendly health services and its various determinants in a rural area of Maharashtra.

Objectives

Objectives of this study were to assess the sociodemographic profile of study participants, to study the utilisation of adolescent friendly health services among them and to determine the factors associated with utilisation of adolescent friendly health services.

Settings and Design

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 late adolescents from a rural area of Maharashtra from October 2022 to December 2022.

Methods and Material

With the help of data from Gram panchayat about residing adolescents in the rural field practice area of tertiary care hospital, all late adolescents were included in this study after obtaining informed consent. Data was collected with and Statistical analysis was done using 'Open Epi Info' software.

Results

Out of 290 adolescents, 35% (102) were aware of adolescent friendly health clinics (AFHS), 20% (58) utilised AFHS, the significant sociodemographic components for utilisation were found to be females (AOR: 2.161,95% CI: 1.088-4.295), Bauddha religion (AOR: 2.465,95% CI: 0.585-10.383), socioeconomic class I and II- B.G Prasad classification (AOR: 1.544,95% CI: 0.786-3.030), higher secondary education (AOR: 8.025,95% CI: 1.434-44.916) and Government schooling (AOR:0.389,95% CI: 0.080-1.889).

Conclusions

Though initiatives are taken from the Government to lend a helping hand to the adolescents, awareness and utilisation seems to be minimal.

Adolescent Sexual Behavior in Rural Central India: Challenges and Interventions

Adolescence is a crucial life stage marked by significant physical, psychological, and societal changes. With India projected to have the highest population of teenagers by 2025, understanding adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India is essential due to its unique social and cultural contexts. This article reviews existing literature to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of teenage sexual behavior in rural central India. It highlights the challenges posed by societal taboos, limited access to sexual health information and services, and the impact of poverty on adolescents' sexual behavior and health outcomes. To address these issues, comprehensive sex education, improved access to contraception and reproductive health services, and efforts to overcome cultural and societal norms are crucial. The article discusses the initiatives undertaken by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to tackle adolescent sexual behavior and emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic issues while empowering adolescents. It concludes by suggesting future research directions and policy recommendations aimed at promoting safe sexual behavior among rural adolescents in central India. This article will discuss the complexity of adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India, its origins, and the challenges faced by medical decision-makers.