Youth friendly health services in a rural community of Lagos, Nigeria: are the youths receptive?

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Date
2016
Authors
Wright, K.O
Oluwole, E.O.
Adeniran, A
Kuyinu, O.G
Odusanya, O
Journal Title
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Publisher
DE GRUYTER
Abstract
Background: Globally, the youths constitute a major segment of most societies particularly in developing countries. This study was undertaken to assess the perception and practices related to youth friendly health services (YFHS) by in-school adolescents in a rural community of Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 400 proportionately selected consenting respondents from the senior classes of the three secondary schools in Agbowa community. A pre-tested intervieweradministered questionnaire was used for data collection and analysis was done with the aid of statistical software. Results: Most of the respondents were in the age range of 12–15 years with mean age being 15.33±1.54 years. About half (46.8%) of the respondents correctly described adolescents as persons between the ages of 10 and 19 years. The majority (83.2%) of the respondents first heard about the Youth Friendly Health facilities from parents, guardians and friends. However, only few of the respondents had ever visited a Youth Friendly Center. A good location, convenient hours and comfortable surroundings were the most appealing aspects of YFHS. The provision of a seminar room and educational materials (60.8% and 70.8%, respectively) are important to the respondents. Reproductive health (56.8%) was the most preferred health education topic chosen by the respondents. Conclusion: Sensitization of the youths in the Agbowa community about youth friendly health services and provision of such services would be useful in reducing risky practices and improving their health.
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Scholarly article
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Citation
Kikelomo Ololade Wright, Oluwole, E.O., Adeyinka Adeniran, Yetunde Kuyinu, Olayinka Goodman and Olumuyiwa Odusanya. Youth friendly health services in a rural community of Lagos, Nigeria: are the youths receptive? International Journal of Adolesc Medicine and Health 2016; 29(3).