Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Treatment-Seeking Behaviour in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic in Gulu City, Northern Uganda
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown from March 2020 to 2022 had massive effects on adolescent and youth reproductive health treatment-seeking behaviour in Acholi Sub-Region in Northern Uganda. Sexual Reproductive Health and STIs-related treatment-seeking was examined among adolescents and youth attending a public Sexual Reproductive Health clinic in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and Reproductive Health-Uganda facility in Gulu City. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, the study explored adolescent and youth knowledge, practice, and perspective on reproductive health treatment seeking, and why they make the choices they make. It delves into non-statistical data like texts, interviews, observations, and images to uncover rich insights, perceptions, meanings, and patterns in the SRH of young persons. Findings: Treatment-seeking was perceived as the action of searching for help for SRH problems from informal or formal sources. More women than men sought care in the government sector. Similarly, more women than men went to the informal health sector, mostly to traditional healers. Young persons confided in their peers and shunned seeking treatment from government hospitals due to stigma. Conclusion: The response of young people to STI infections and treatment-seeking behaviour was never predictable. Social-cultural stereotypes, misinformation, and lack of access to information on SRH and STIs continue to exist. Most adolescents and youth continue to seek self-medication. Recommendations: The study recommends strengthening community-based services, integration of technology to provide confidential information and remote consultations, developing crisis-reproductive health systems, and a more targeted public education campaign
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Copyright (c) 2025 Agatha Alidri, Emily Kayeny Uramba, Filda Anicia, Winnie Apio, Patrick Ochen, Patrick Kabwijamu, Simon Okello, Esther Giramiya, Richard Musaasizi, Samson Tumanye, Susan Awor, Proscovia Nyamungu
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