MGHD 2023

Background: Teenage pregnancies pose a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, where a high percentage of adolescent girls become mothers each year. Despite the implementation of laws and policies to promote Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) and the establishment of youth corners in health centers, there are gaps in accessing and utilizing SRH services by Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Knowledge levels on HIV and SRH have declined among young women, leading to risky behaviors and inadequate access to timely services. This lack of knowledge contributes to the burden of disease among adolescents, including unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and STIs, including HIV. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and utilization of youth corners by AGYW in Rwamagana District. Methods: The study employed a descriptive qualitative research design, which involved conducting in-depth focus group discussions with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Additionally, key informant interviews were conducted with the focal person responsible for overseeing the youth corners. Furthermore, observational checklists were utilized to gather data in the selected youth corners located in Rwamagana District. Results: A total of 8 Focus groups discussions (FGDs) and 4 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted. The results highlighted the various SRH services that AGYW are utilizing in the youth corners, factors affecting acceptability and utilization and possible solutions to avert the situation. 4 themes were used to depict the views of AGYW on acceptability and utilization of SRH services in youth corners and these are: 1. SRH service provision in youth corner; 2. Inter and intra-personal factors that affect SRH acceptability and utilization; 3. Obstacles in provision of SRH and 4. Improving access to SRH for AGYW. The results reveal that lack of knowledge on SRH, religion, culture, distance, and lack of trained healthcare providers on the provision of youth friendly SRH services continue to hinder acceptability and utilization of SRH services in youth corners. Conclusion: The research successfully identified the range of SRH services provided to AGYW in the youth corners of Rwamagana over the past 12 months, which include include contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, pregnancy tests, HIV and STI testing and screening, ASRH information, post-GBV services, and counseling. The study findings emphasize the need to improve the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and the existing legal framework to better meet the needs of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Integrating the experiences and recommendations of AGYW into the development of SRH interventions is crucial for creating responsive and effective services. Through assessing the acceptability and utilization of these services by AGYW in Rwamagana district, the study also identified that AGYW face barriers such as limited knowledge, interpersonal and institutional factors, financial burdens, and distance to the youth corners. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, policymakers and stakeholders can enhance the accessibility, acceptability, and utilization of SRH services for AGYW in the district, promoting their overall well-being and upholding their rights to comprehensive SRH care.