Barriers to access of contraceptives by adolescents in the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency of the //Kharas Region, Namibia
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Date
2020-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: Adolescent pregnancy remains a serious reproductive health challenge in the Namibia, as most of the adolescentpregnancies could result in poor maternal health and premature babies associated with high perinatal and neonatal death. Eventhough, Namibia provides free contraceptives in all public health facilities, contraceptives use by adolescents is still low. The aimof this study is to establish the barriers that prevent adolescents to access contraceptives in the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituencyof the //Kharas region, Namibia. Material methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional was conductedin two secondary schools in the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency. Data were collected by means of a structured 5- point Likertscale self- administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using Social Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 forwindows. Results: The study revealed that the majority of adolescents (98%) had heard about contraceptives, with the mainsource of information being health care providers (48%). However, contraceptive-use among adolescents was low with 20% andthe majority used male condoms (41%) and pills (41%). The major barriers to the access of contraceptives are parental control(22%), cultural norms (15%), peer pressure (13%) and health professionals’ attitudes (11%). Conclusion: The study indicated thatthere is a low contraceptive use among adolescents. Measures that can improve access to contraceptives includes training of healthprofessionals on counselling adolescents, awareness to the parents on contraceptive use among their adolescents, continuoushealth talks and promotion of contraceptives in schools.
Description
Keywords
adolescents, barriers, contraceptives
Citation
Namukwambi Rauna.N., Kangoya Elizabeth .N., Muyunda Rhodes. Barriers to access of contraceptives by adolescents in the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency of the //Kharas Region, Namibia. International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences . 2020 Apr; 9(2): 29-35