Factors Contributing to Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Services Utilization among Youth People in kirehe district – Rwanda, 2026

NDAYISENGA Wellars; Fisseha Berehe Aberh; Maurice Silali

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.90251

Factors Contributing to Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Services Utilization among Youth People in kirehe district – Rwanda, 2026

Author(s)	Mr. NDAYISENGA Wellars, Dr. Fisseha Berehe Aberh, Dr. Maurice Silali
Country	Rwanda
Abstract	Adolescents and young people in rural Rwanda continue to experience barriers to sustained use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This study assessed factors associated with utilization of youth-friendly SRH services among adolescents and youth aged 10–24 years in Kirehe District, Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 357 adolescents and youth using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through two focus group discussions involving 16 participants and 10 key informant interviews. In addition, 10 health facilities were assessed using a structured facility-audit checklist. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression; qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Overall, 90.5% of respondents reported having visited a Youth-Friendly Corner at least once, but repeat engagement was limited: 81.2% reported one to two visits during the preceding 12 months. Counselling and contraceptive services were the most frequently accessed services, reported by 174 and 164 respondents, respectively, while pregnancy testing, HIV testing, and STI treatment were reported by 80, 44, and 33 respondents. Age, occupation, and household income were associated with utilization. In adjusted analysis, respondents aged 20–24 years had higher odds of utilization than those aged 10–14 years (AOR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.02–5.67, p=0.045); students had lower odds than unemployed respondents (AOR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.84, p=0.017), while self-employed respondents had higher odds (AOR=3.15, 95% CI: 1.08–9.22, p=0.036). Respondents from households earning 60,000–120,000 Rwandan francs had lower odds than those earning below 30,000 francs (AOR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.91, p=0.034). Qualitative findings showed that stigma, community gossip, parental attitudes, confidentiality concerns, provider attitudes, school-related concerns, waiting time, transport costs, and occasional commodity stock-outs influenced service use. The findings indicate that physical availability alone does not ensure sustained engagement with youth-friendly SRH services. Strengthening confidentiality, respectful care, youth-focused outreach, school–facility referral linkages, commodity availability, and flexible service access may support more consistent utilization. Keywords: adolescent health; sexual and reproductive health; youth-friendly services; Youth-Friendly Corners; service utilization; Kirehe District; Rwanda
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-22
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.90251

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Factors Contributing to Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Services Utilization among Youth People in kirehe district – Rwanda, 2026

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