Analysis of Reproductive Health Service Utilisation Among Adolescents in Akwa Ibom State

Adolescent reproductive health service utilisation in South South Nigeria is constrained by stigma, cost, and service accessibility, and its documentation in Akwa Ibom State informs youth-responsive service design. This study analysed utilisation of reproductive health services and its determinants among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Uyo, Eket, and Abak Local Government Areas, Akwa Ibom State. A cross-sectional survey of 380 adolescents collected data on service utilisation, barriers, and knowledge. Overall reproductive health service utilisation was 34.2 percent among sexually active adolescents. Stigma at health facilities was the most cited barrier (58.6 percent), followed by confidentiality concerns (42.7 percent), cost (47.3 percent), and distance (38.2 percent). Youth-friendly health services were available in only 31.3 percent of surveyed facilities. Recommendations include establishing youth-friendly service units in all LGA PHC facilities, training health workers in adolescent-sensitive communication, peer health education programmes in secondary schools, and free reproductive health services for adolescents in Akwa Ibom State.

Keywords: reproductive health services, adolescents, Akwa Ibom State, service utilisation, youth-friendly health These findings confirm that stigma reduction, youth-friendly service design, and universal adolescent health coverage are the highest priority investments for Akwa Ibom State. Expanding free and confidential reproductive health services to all secondary schools is equally important for reducing barriers.