Factors influencing adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services in Bo City Sierra Leone

Authors

  • Mohamed Musa Kabba College of Medical Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Samuel Maxwell Tom Williams Department of Biological Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone, 3Njala University Hospital, Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Sahr Foday Njala University Hospital, Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Richard Wadsworth Department of Biological Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Ahmed Vandi College of Medical Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Kemoh Rogers Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314.1.2.4

Abstract

Background: Adolescents’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services is essential for their overall health and well-being. However, in resource-limited settings such as Bo City, Sierra Leone, access remains constrained by socio-cultural norms, stigma, and weak healthcare infrastructure. This study applied Andersen’s Behavioral Model to examine factors influencing adolescents’ utilization of SRHR services in Bo City, focusing on barriers and facilitators to access.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 419 adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years in Bo District. Participants were selected using simple random sampling, and data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and SRHR service utilization. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between Andersen model domains and SRHR service use.

Results: Findings revealed that 47.0% of respondents acquired SRHR knowledge through schools. Utilization of services was limited by structural barriers, including financial constraints and distance to facilities, and by social factors such as stigma and parental consent requirements. Adolescents aged 17–19 years were less likely to use SRHR services than those aged 20–24 years. Peer support and reduced stigma emerged as key facilitators of service utilization, while religion, education level, and parental support showed no significant association.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions expanding youth-friendly services, strengthening education, raising community awareness, and reforming policies to enhance adolescent autonomy and equitable access to SRHR services in Sierra Leone.

Keywords:

Adolescents, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Barriers, Andersen’s Behavioral Model, Bo City.

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Published

2026-05-21

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025): December 2025

Section

Original Articles

License

Submission of manuscripts to the Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research is of the understanding that the article either in part or whole is not under consideration for publication in any other Journal. Accepted papers become the permanent property of Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research but unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium is permitted, provided the original work is properly cited.