Understanding youth sexual and reproductive health-seeking behaviors in Ethiopia: Implications for youth-friendly service programming

In Ethiopia, significant attention has been given to improving youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including the establishment of youth-friendly services (YFS). Yet high rates of child marriage, unmet need for family planning, and adolescent childbearing persist, particularly in rural areas where over 84 percent of the population lives. Reaching rural youth with timely SRH information and services that are relevant to their varying ages and life stages remains a challenge. The Evidence Project is examining the coverage and reach of public and NGO-supported youth SRH services in several rural regions of Ethiopia. As this activity brief notes, the study focuses on the service utilization patterns, behaviors, and experiences of young people, ages 12–24 years, females and males, unmarried and married, in-school and out-of-school. The study also is assessing providers’ and influential adults’ perceptions of the barriers to and opportunities for services to meet the unique needs of young people. The knowledge generated from this study will provide needed evidence for strengthening youth SRH services in the country