Perceived Sexual and Reproductive Health needs and Barriers to service Utilization among Married Female Adolescents in Selected rural areas of Bangladesh
Md. Aminul Haque,PhD; Sawkia Afroz
Department of Population Sciences, University of Dhaka
Abstract
Background: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health is best addressed through identifying their perceived needs, eradication of barriers to SRH services. This study aimed to assess married female adolescents (15-19 years) perceived needs for SRH service and barriers to utilization SRH services. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey of married female adolescents- (15-19 years) from six villages, three from Kurigram and other three from the Nilphamari district of northern Bangladesh. A total of 436 adolescents were selected randomly through multistage sampling completed a structured questionnaire with both open and close ended. This was supplemented with 10 in-depth interview. Univariate and Bivariate types of analysis have been applied. Results: Overall mean age of respondents is 17.85 years, mean age at first marriage of the respondent 15.26 years, 46.3% respondents have primary education and only 5.3% have education higher than secondary level. Over 75.2% respondents reported about having sexual and reproductive health related problems. 65.8% identified that they have knowledge about the components of SRH services. However only 37.2% perceived needs for the components of SRH services. Some barriers are responsible for non-utilization of SRH services such as: Personal, Socio cultural, Religious, Familial, Financial and Structural. There was difference among respondents of various age group, educational status and income groups regarding barriers to SRH service utilization. In-depth interviews also suggested similar situation. Conclusion: Respondents have knowledge about SRH services, Perceived needs for SRH services was very high in the study area. Yet due to victimize by several barriers they are unable to receive SRH services. In Bangladesh though SRH services are mainly designed for married women but most of the married female adolescents- (15-19 years) especially those who are residents of rural areas are vulnerable to utilize SRH services owing to numerous barriers, which requires urgent policy attention.
Keywords: Bangladesh, Married Female adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health, Perceived Needs, Perceived Barriers.
Topic: Health Promotion and Education