Knowledge and practice of health workers on sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence: Evidence from three municipalities in Senegal

Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries face numerous developmental, sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) challenges, including exposure to multidimensional violence. Dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) is of great importance and health personnel are key players. The objective of this work was to study the knowledge and practices of health personnel on SRHR and gender-based violence in Guédiawaye, Kaolack and Kolda communities in Senegal. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, which consisted of health professionals (general practitioners and specialists, nurses, and midwives) and community health workers (community relays, bajenu gox, matrons). All health facilities in the three communities were included. Data analysis consisted of univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling to investigate the factors associated with the knowledge and practice of health personnels. An alpha risk of 5% was taken. A total of 78 health professionals and 128 community actors were included in the study. More than half of the health personnel (56.3%) had good knowledge of policies, standards and protocols relating to sexual and reproductive health services for women (adolescents) and about 60% on conventions and laws. The level of knowledge was good among 51% of respondents and good practices among 54.9%. The factors associated with good knowledge were the municipality in which the profession was practiced, and the effects of training received in the social construction of gender. The factors associated with the practices were knowledge of policies, standards and protocols through training, training received in the provision of family planning services, and in medico-psychosocial management of cases of sexual violence. We conclude that the knowledge of stakeholders (health professionals and community health workers) about sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence is important for better service provision and good management of cases of gender based violence.