Publication:

Assessment of contraceptive services for adolescents in the Burundian family welfare association and the youth-friendly centres in Bujumbura, Burundi

Background Many sexually active adolescents throughout the world do not have access to modern contraception, which can result in unintended births. This study evaluates the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of contraceptive services provided to sexually active adolescents in Burundian Family Welfare Association and youth-friendly centres in Bujumbura / Burundi.

Methods A mixed-methods study design with cross-sectional study and in-depth interviews was used, which recruited 25 healthcare providers and 25 adolescents for in depth interviews and self-administered questionnaires to 287 adolescents and 43 healthcare providers. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the quantitative and thematic content for qualitative data.

Results Among the independent variables, correlation analysis showed that adolescents' sexual experience (p<0.001), knowledge about contraception (p<0.001), fear of side effects (p<0.001) and lack of support/encouragement (p=0.011) influenced their use of contraceptive services. However, service utilization is negatively impacted by knowledge of contraceptive options. Barriers including lack of support and encouragement and fear of adverse effects may be the cause of this. On the provider side, lack of privacy/confidentiality (p=0.022) and limited availability of contraceptive methods (p=0.018) are factors influencing the provision of services to adolescents.

Conclusions The lack of support from parents, the community and healthcare providers, as well as the fear of side effects, prevent adolescents from using contraceptive services. Teachers, parents and healthcare professionals are essential in helping adolescents learn about sexual and reproductive health.