Knowledge on youth friendly services among adolescents in Kalomo.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge on youth-friendly services among adolescents in Kalomo. Literature was reviewed based on adolescent's knowledge on youth-friendly services. The study was conducted in Kalomo where fifty (50%) adolescents were sampled from three randomly selected schools. A descriptive exploratory study design was used. Data analysis collected in September, 2004 using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was checked and analysed manually. The findings were presented in form of tables and pie charts. The findings revealed that majority (58%) of the respondents were aged between 17 and 19 years, all were Christians. Seventy six percent (76%) of the respondents had knowledge on youth-friendly services and (42%) of the respondents with knowledge on the services got the information from friends. Despite the knowledge on youth-friendly services (60%) of the respondents have never used the services. Sixty two percent (62%) of the respondents had already had sexual intercourse. Most of the respondents were of the view that youth-friendly workers needed to address their health needs adequately. Eighty two percent (82%) did not visit services for STI prevention and it was attributed to being too young, condoms and family planning not being safe and the negative attitude of health workers.