Background/Objectives
Unmet need for FP is highest among 15-19 years' sexually active unmarried women (66%) and decreases with age to 26% among 45–49-year women (NDHS2018). Unmet need among married female adolescents is lowest at 12%, rising to 23% among women aged 35-39 years. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of marital status on FP uptake and method preference among unmarried and married adolescents (15-19) in two urban slums in Kano State.
Methods
The USAID supported project (YPE4AH) aims to improve adolescent health by improving access to voluntary family planning (FP) services among unmarried and married underprivileged out of school adolescents (15 – 19) in Kano State and Lagos states. In Kano, the project was implemented in two urban slums in Wudil and Ngogo LGAs, using a hub and spoke model of service delivery. Forty-nine different cadres of healthcare providers were trained on Youth Friendly Services. Adolescents were mobilized from communities around the Youth Hubs and referred to the two Youth Hubs and 47 spokes facilities for FP counseling and services. Data was captured using ASRH register adapted from Lagos state government and entered electronically by trained Data collectors.
Results
A total of 1,147 unmarried adolescents were counselled on FP, 812 received FP method, with majority receiving pills(348), and condoms(210). FP uptake was more among the married adolescents (2,291) with majority receiving Injectables (948) and Oral pills (579). LARC services were also sought by both adolescent groups, accounting for less than10% among unmarried and less than 20% among the married adolescents.
Conclusion
Marital status is an important factor for FP method preference and uptake in Kano state. The FP preferences by these adolescent groups has implications for programs, and practice. With disparity in long/short-term choices, programs are better served to improve access to adolescents.
