Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: youth experiences in Handeni district, Tanzania

Abstract

Young people in Tanzania face many problems that affect their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This study on which this paper is based explored youth’s knowledge, access to, and utilization of SRHR services. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Simple random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select 390 respondents. A questionnaire based survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were the main methods for data collection. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to analyse quantitative data. The study found some knowledge gap on SRHR. Parents and tribal elders had limited communication with youth on SRHR, a thing which hampered youth’s adoption of the recommended practices. It is recommended to local government authorities and NGOs involved in promoting SRHR to involve and support local power structures including tribal elders and village councils during training and capacity building on issues related to SRHR for community ownership, acceptance and sustainability of the initiatives. It is recommended to the local government authorities and NGOs to have a focus on dual protection advocating for abstinence and consistent and correct use of condoms.