# Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy and Service Utilization Among Young People in Southwest Nigeria

## TL;DR

This study found that young people in southwest Nigeria have low sexual and reproductive health literacy, which is linked to poor use of related health services.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into SRH literacy and service utilization among in-school and out-of-school youth in Nigeria.

## Key findings

- 79.5% of respondents had low SRH literacy levels.
- Only 12.9% of young people utilized any SRH-related care or service.
- Higher SRH literacy was associated with three times greater likelihood of using SRH services.

## Abstract

Young people encounter numerous health challenges, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems. Poor SRH literacy plays a key role in young people's risky sexual behavior, which can lead to untoward SRH-related health outcomes.

This study assessed the level of SRH literacy and SRH service utilization among in-school and out-of-school young people in Osun state, southwest Nigeria

A descriptive cross-sectional study among 1,096 young people aged 15–24 in two universities and one community in Osun state. Respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling process. A structured questionnaire incorporating the health literacy questionnaire (HLQ) was used to collect data, which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The mean age was 19.0 ± 2.6 years; about half (56.5%) were females, while about one-third (35.2%) were sexually experienced. The mean literacy score was 56.6 ± 17.2, and 79.5% had low SRH literacy levels. Only 12.9% utilized any SRH-related care or service. SRH information and counselling were the most utilized services (78.7%), while the least was cervical cancer screening (11,4%). A lower SRH literacy score was significantly associated with being out of school (P < .001) and non-use of SRH services (P < .001). Respondents with good literacy levels were three times more likely to have accessed and utilized SRH care and services (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.99–4.76).

The respondents had a low SRH literacy level, which was associated with poor utilization of SRH services. Appropriate interventions are required to improve SRH literacy levels in the study setting.