Factors Associated with Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behaviours and Access to Services among Adolescents in Four Secondary Schools in Mbouda, Cameroon | Chapter 1 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by increased vulnerability to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, adolescents continue to face significant challenges related to early sexual initiation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and limited access to youth-friendly SRH services.

 

Objective: To assess the level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, practices, access to services, and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in Mbouda, Cameroon.

 

Methodology: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted among 1,087 adolescents from four secondary schools in the city of Mbouda using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression models. Data were analysed using R software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

 

Results: Overall, 74.0% of adolescents demonstrated good knowledge of SRH, while only 25.9% had ever accessed SRH services at a health facility. The primary barrier to accessing SRH services was financial constraints (26.2%). Only 20.9% used a contraceptive method. Sexual activity was significantly associated with male sex (aOR = 3.72; p < 0.001), living with extended family members (aOR = 1.99; p < 0.001) or alone (aOR = 4.09; p = 0.006), and parent–adolescent discussions on sexuality (aOR = 1.62; p = 0.003). Contraceptive use was independently associated with male sex (aOR = 2.04; p = 0.015) and a history of abortion (aOR = 4.79; p = 0.040).

 

Conclusion: Despite relatively good knowledge of SRH, important gaps persist in service utilisation among adolescents in Mbouda. Interventions should prioritise youth-friendly, affordable, and accessible SRH services, alongside strengthened family and school-based education, to reduce risky sexual behaviours and improve adolescent health outcomes.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Djam Chefor Alain
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Global Health Innovation and Research Initiative (GHIRI), Cameroon.

 

Earnest Njih Tabah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon and Research Initiative in Tropical and Community Health (RITCH), Yaounde, Cameroon.

 

Noumedem Kenfack Jaures Arnaud
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Tejiodonkeng Kengmo Carolle
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Stessye Nouaton Tankou Nylor
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Tenonfo Tesse Franky Maxwell
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Signing Teddy Martial
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Lele Deffo Carole
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Bong Wobenso Jessica Grace
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Guthe Kamdem Brice
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ngue Vinyle Ines Aude
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Momo Anoumbo Urbain Ulrich
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Njih Beri Nkini
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon

Nouni Noula Armand J.
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Douandji Sokeng M
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Nguetse Zambou Lintia Samira
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

I. T. Manfouo Tandah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Dountio Piatat Xena
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ngneche Kakeu Pascaline Laure
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Mbotuiah Mbolueh Henr
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Korin Neh Nforbi
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

U. Prowo Dongmo Styve
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Germaine Ndah Alombah
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Kenhale Zebaze Lunelle

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ifang Solomon Ndifon
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Gabriel Tchatchouang Mabou
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

Ariane Ange Ghomsi Tadie
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/6967