Factors Influencing the Use of Reproductive Health Services Among Young Women in Nepal: Analysis of the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey
Abstract Background About one fifth of the total population are young people aged 15-24 years in Nepal. Utilization of reproductive health services is a key component for preventing young women from different sexual and reproductive health problems. The objective of the study is to determine the factors influencing the use of reproductive health services among young women in Nepal. Methods Data is extracted from the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) datasets. The weighted sample population for modern contraceptive use is restricted to the 1593 young women, 1606 young women for the antenatal care and skilled birth attendant. Three reproductive health indicators were selected as outcome variables of reproductive health service utilization for the analysis- modern contraceptive use, at least four antenatal care visits and skilled birth attendant in delivery. All calculations were based on standard sample weight of Nepal DHS. Results The study found that 21% of young women used modern contraception, 71% attended at least four ANC visits, and 67% utilized a skilled birth attendant at delivery. Young women of Janajati, women who have 1-2, and 3 and more living children, women who participate household decision-making, and have exposure to media were more likely and women who want more children were less likely to use modern contraceptives. Higher education attainment, higher wealth status, and lower birth order were associated with higher level of receiving at least four ANC visits and skilled birth attendants among young women. Young women who want more children, and who have access to media have higher odds of receiving at least four ANC visits and women who attend four and more ANC visits have higher odds of using skilled birth attendants. Conclusion To improve the use of reproductive health services among young women, efforts should be made targeting young women of low education level, low economic status, higher birth order, and low exposure to media. Further research is required to detect the barriers that effects use of reproductive health services among young women.