Limiting Factors in the Utilisation of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Service in Ngaoundere Regional Hospital

iContext: /iIn Cameroon and particularly in the Adamaoua region, young people are increasingly exposed to sexually transmitted diseases; however, according to the Third General Population Census, in 2005, young people represent at least 32.9% of the population of this region, i.e. 442,388 young people. To support these young people in the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, the Cameroonian government created an Adolescent Reproductive Health Unit in July 2014 to facilitate adolescents access to sexual and reproductive health care. Despite the existence of this Adolescent Reproductive Health Unit (ARHU) at the Ngaoundere Regional Hospital, Reproductive Health Services (RHS) are becoming less and less sought after by these adolescents. According to the annual report of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Unit, an average of 5 young people per week attend this service. Based on the socio-ecological model, our study found that several factors, including socio-cultural, economic and institutional barriers, influence access of adolescents to and the use of RH services. iMethodology: /iA quantitative study was conducted with 100 people, including 50 teenagers, 40 parents and 10 health professionals. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Excel, highlighting trends and factors associated with the use of Reproductive Health services according to the socio-ecological model. iResults: /iThe results reveal that 70% of teens are aware of ARHU, but only 30% have used it. The main barriers identified are: lack of information 30%, distance 20%, cost of transport 20%, stigma 20%, costs of services 10%, attitudes of staff 14% and opening hours 6%. In terms of communication channels, teenagers prefer: Social networks (40%), Awareness at school (36%), Peer discussions (14%), radio (10%), television (10%), SMS and digital platforms (5%). iInterpretation: /iThese results show that several social, economic and structural factors justify the low attendance of the Reproductive Health Services of the Ngaoundere Regional Hospital. To address this, it would be important to use the appropriate communication channels, such as social networks.