Addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people in Ethiopia : an analysis of the current situation : original research

Young people in Ethiopia face a number of risks to their sexual and reproductive health, including adolescent pregnancy, sexual violence, and unmet need for family planning. This study explores the extent to which current service provision addresses the SRH needs of young Ethiopians . Methods included a comprehensive review of the academic and policy literature on young people's SRH and service provision in Ethiopia; and 14 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews. Factors affecting utilization of sexual and reproductive services by young people include : limited SRH knowledge, lack of open discussion of sexual matters, low status of women, cultural and logistical barriers, competing priorities among community health professionals, limited resources for health facilities, and negative attitudes of providers towards unmarried youth. While the antenatal needs of young married women are somewhat addressed, gaps exist in terms of services for unmarried youth, young men, rural youth and vulnerable groups. The national policy platform has created an enabling environment for addressing youth SRH needs but challenges to implementing these policies still persist. The way forward requires a focus on reducing barriers to utilization of services, and attention to underserved groups. It also requires resource mobilization, strong leadership and effective coordination between stakeholders and donors. Les jeunes gens en Ethiopie sont confrontés à un certain nombre de risques par rapport à leur santé sexuelle et de la reproduction, y compris la grossesse chez les adolescentes, la violence sexuelle, et les besoins non satisfaits de planification familiale. Cette étude explore la mesure dans laquelle la prestation de services actuelle aborde les besoins de la SSR des jeunes Ethiopiens. Les méthodes comprennent un examen complet de la documentation académique et politique sur la SSR des jeunes et la prestation de services en Ethiopie; et 14 entrevues semi-structurées auprès des informateurs clés. Les facteurs influant sur l'utilisation des services sexuels et de la reproduction par les jeunes gens comprennent: une connaissance limitée de la SSR, le manque de discussion ouverte sur les questions sexuelles, situation inférieure des femmes, les barrières culturelles et logistiques, des priorités concurrentes entre les professionnels de santé communautaire, des ressources limitées pour les établissements de santé, et les attitudes négatives des prestataires envers les jeunes non