Determinants of Adolescents' Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Health Centers in Kicukiro District, Rwanda, 2025

Abstract: Despite ongoing interventions, many adolescents still face challenges in accessing and utilizing SRH services due to various socio-cultural, institutional, and personal constraints. Adolescent fertility rates remain high globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating further research to identify effective strategies for improving SRH service uptake. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing adolescents’ awareness, perceptions, and use of SRH services in selected health centers within Kicukiro District, Rwanda. This study covered significant gaps in adolescents’ knowledge and access to SRH services, with socio-cultural beliefs, stigma, and concerns about confidentiality emerging as key obstacles. Moreover, the availability of youth-friendly SRH services may be found to be inadequate, leading to reduced utilization. A cross-sectional research design was applied, utilizing structured questionnaires to gather quantitative data from adolescents, while key informant interviews with healthcare providers provided qualitative insights. The sample size was computed based on a 95% CI and the margin of error of 5%. SPSS software was used for data analysis like means, and percentages and inferential statistics. Among the respondents, 63.5% (n=244) had ever utilized SRH services, while 36.5% (n=140) had not. Utilization was significantly associated with age, gender, place of residence, and parental discussion on reproductive health (p<0.05). Adolescents aged 16-17 years (OR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.49-4.67) and 18-19 years (OR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.52-5.66) were more likely to use SRH services compared to those aged 13-15 years. Females were more likely to utilize services than males (OR=3.19, 95% CI: 2.00-5.10). Urban residents were more likely to access services compared to rural adolescents (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.21-0.78). Parental discussion on reproductive health significantly increased service utilization (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.64). Utilization was also more likely when SRH services were well-known and viewed favorably. According to the study, adolescents in Kicukiro District had a moderate level of awareness of SRH services but a comparatively high consumption rate. Key determinants of utilization included age, gender, urban residence, parental discussion, and positive attitude towards SRH services. Interventions to improve adolescent SRH service utilization should focus on enhancing parental engagement, targeting younger adolescents, promoting positive attitudes, and addressing barriers in rural areas. Health education programs should be strengthened in schools and communities to increase awareness and access to youth-friendly SRH services. Keywords: (MeSH): Reproductive Health Services, Adolescents, Utilization of Sexual. Title: Determinants of Adolescents’ Awareness and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Health Centers in Kicukiro District, Rwanda, 2025 Author: Jeanne UWIMBABAZI, Dr Amos HABIMANA International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 116-132 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 31-October-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17493140 Paper download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/determinants-of-adolescents-awareness-and-utilization-of-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-in-health-centers-in-kicukiro-district-rwanda-2025