Utilization Of The Sexual And Reproductive Health Care Services Among Youth Living On The Streets In Nakuru County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health care is a crucial concern

surrounding the advancement of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights.

Making clinical services attractive to the younger generation has remained a challenge.

Sexual and reproductive health services remain underutilized by the youth living on the

streets. Unfortunately, this group is exposed to a very hostile environment on the streets,

has a highly mobile and unprotected lifestyle often resulting in early sexual debut,

physical and drug abuse, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in these youth on the streets. Toward the Kenya

government goal of attainment of Universal health for all Kenyans, there is a need to

explore the unique SRH needs of this group. This study sought to investigate the

utilization of SRH services among the youth living on the streets. A descriptive survey

research study was done in Nakuru town in Nakuru County, Kenya. One hundred and

eight study participants were recruited using cluster sampling from five sites identified.

Three core research tools used to collect data were the researcher administered

questionnaires, group discussion, and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed

through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The qualitative data

were analyzed using a content approach. The study found out that these youths knew

their SRH needs and inadequate information on the various SRH services being offered

in the health facilities. The utilization of SRH services is low at 25.9%. A majority

(84.1%) had experienced SRH problems. Most (75.07%) did not know the types of

reproductive health services offered. Demographic factors such as; whether parents are

employed or not (p 0.018), and youth’s level of education (p 0.005) were associated with

the utilization of the SRH services. Economic factors like the affordability of SRH

services (p 0.005), costs charged by SRHF (0.000), staff’s attitude in the health facility (p

0.017) and availability of health facility (0.017) were associated with utilization of SRH

services. Recommendations include the provision of information for YLOS on SRH need

and the available SRH services to increase utilization, efforts should be made to establish

and strengthen Youth friendly service Centre in Bondeni where a large number of the

YLOS seek reproductive health services and need to increase funding for reproductive

health services to these facilities so as all the services can be offered free of charge to the

YLOS. This will further increase access and utilization as most of them do not have reliable sources of income.