Correlates of Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Use by Young People in Jinja District, Uganda

Angela Akol, Family Health International

This study examines correlates of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use by young people (14-24 years of age) in Jinja district, Uganda. We use survey data collected between December 2006 and March 2007 from a sample of 1,223 young people living in Jinja district. We fit logistic regression models of ever use of SRH services by all young people and, separately, by young people who have ever had sex, adjusting for key covariates of interest. Married/in union youth, those who reside in rural areas, live without parents, and have an occupation other than being a student are less likely to use SRH services than their counterparts. The perceived risk of pregnancy and of contracting a sexually transmitted infection and the practice of contraception are positively associated with young people using SRH services. Among those who had sex, the likelihood of using SRH services decreases with each additional sexual partner.