Glob Health Action. 2025 Dec;18(1):2586278. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2586278. Epub 2025 Nov 17.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries often struggle to access sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS). To address this, the Ministry of Health, with support from Partners In Health, implemented Youth Corners in selected health facilities in Neno District to improve the utilisation of Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS).
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the role of Youth Corners in enhancing YFHS usage in Neno District, Malawi.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by extracting data from Youth Corner registers and DHIS2 from health facilities between October 2022 and September 2023. Population estimates were obtained from the National Statistical Office projections. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to describe service utilization patterns, and binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between distance and service attendance.
RESULTS: During the study period, 1,877 young people aged 10-24 accessed YFHS, with 45% (n = 852) aged 15-19 and 57% (n = 1,063) female. They completed 2,869 visits, all receiving information and counselling. The utilisation rate was 829 visits per 1,000 young people aged 10-24. An association was found between distance, age, and attendance (p < 0.05). Adolescents aged 15-19 were less likely to attend youth corners (OR = 0.57, p = 0.003), and those living more than 10 km from facilities participated less frequently (OR = 0.59, p = 0.011).
CONCLUSION: While Youth Corners are highly suggested as a way for improving YFHS uptake among young people, their impact in Neno District was found to be suboptimal.
PMID:41243736 | DOI:10.1080/16549716.2025.2586278
