Unmet reproductive health needs and health-seeking behaviour of adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined unmet reproductive health needs and health-seeking behaviour of adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Primary information was obtained through questionnaire, FGDs and in-depth interviews. The adolescents were mostly Christians (99.6%) and Catholics (78.6%), with 66.4% living with their parents. Half (50.8%) of the adolescents have had sex. Contraceptive use was low, due to culture. Data showed that 27.2% of the ever had sex have had STIs, mostly gonorrhea and syphilis; 30.2% of the female adolescents have had unintended pregnancies,
amongst who 73.3% had recurrent pregnancies and 19.6% of all the females have had abortion. The primary contact for health-care was patent medicine operators. In conclusion, more accessible and cost-effective method of disseminating STI/HIV information involving the use of vernacular and traditional/ local opinion leaders should be used.

(Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:43-54).