Adolescents’ Knowledge and perception of sexual and reproductive health rights in Yamoransa, Ghana

Abstract

sexual and reproductive health rights are the bedrock of sexual and reproductive health. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), fertility control, sexual violence and abuses are reflections of the level of control individuals have over their reproductive autonomy. This study sought to assess the level of adolescents’ knowledge and perception of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and was situated in the theory of sexual interaction. The study adopted a cross sectional study design. Data was obtained from 209 adolescent residents of Yamoransa in April, 2010. The Statistical Package for Service Solutions programme was employed to analyze the quantitative data. The study found out that majority of adolescents had comprehensive knowledge of SRH Rights, knew the appropriate avenues to seek redress in the event of rights abuses. It was however revealed that only a few had actually asserted, or admitted could assert their sexual rights. Over half of the respondents conceded they would succumb to any imposition of a sexual and reproductive health decisions by their sexual partner. The view that men should be the decision makers on sexual issues in marital unions was held by most adolescents. Based on the findings, it was concluded that though adolescents are aware of their sexual and reproductive rights, they may not have the capacity to assert those rights, and would succumb to instances where certain SRH decisions are imposed on them. Government and other stakeholders should, through education, empower adolescents to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights during adolescence, and in adulthood.