Knowledge, utilization and barriers to primary care services for sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia
- Author:
Sajaratulnisah Othman
;
Kong Sie Zin
;
Fadzilah Hanum Mohd Mydin
;
Ng Chirk Jenn
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Adolescents;
Sexual and Reproductive Health;
Malaysia;
Knowledge;
Utilization;
Barrier;
Primary Care Services
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2019;14(1):10-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Early sexual debut, partner violence, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections contribute
to negative health outcomes among adolescents. While the primary care clinics offer accessible
sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to adolescents, it is uncertain whether adolescents
are aware of and utilize these services. This study aimed to examine Malaysian adolescents’
knowledge, utilization and barriers to primary care services for SRH. A cross-sectional survey
was conducted from August to November 2011 among adolescent from five randomly selected
schools in Selangor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their
knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviors and utilization of SRH services. A total of 680 adolescents
participated in the study. One in ten of the adolescents were aware of the availability of SRH
services, and only 6.9% of them had ever visited a primary care clinic for SRH. About 75%
of them felt uncomfortable going to a primary care clinic for SRH services. Knowledge and
utilization of primary care clinics for SRH among adolescents in Malaysia is poor.
- Full text:2.2018my0024.pdf
