Knowledge and experiences of adolescent girls and young women in the use of sexual reproductive health and HIV services at health facilities in Maputo City, Mozambique

Vasco Antonio Muchanga^1*Luisa Huo¹Kathryn T Kampa²Baltazar Chilundo¹Khatia R. Munguambe¹Troy D Moon²

• ¹Eduardo Mondlane University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health, Maputo, Mozambique
• ²Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tulane University Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, New Orleans, United States

Knowledge and use of sexual reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus (SRH and HIV) services are crucial for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of AGYW about the SRH and HIV services offered in health facilities in Maputo, Mozambique. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on exit surveys with AGYW held at the health facilities named Zimpeto and June 1st, in Maputo City, between May 1, and June 9, 2023. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA, using SPSS version 20. 590 AGYW, aged 15-24 years of age, were included in the study. In general, knowledge of SRH and HIV services was fairly high, with knowledge of each specific service offered ranging between 38% and 97%. Knowledge about SRH and HIV services differed depending on the health facility where the AGYW sought SRH and HIV services; the participant's age; their occupation; their religion, and who they lived with. Counseling services were the most commonly reported services attended, with >90% of participants reporting having received counseling for each of the following: STI and HIV and pregnancy prevention and safer sex practices. The quality of SRH and HIV services, as well as the attitudes of the providers were considered to be good by >90% of AGYW. Roughly 95% of AGYW at Zimpeto health facility, were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied". Whereas at the June 1st health facility, only roughly 75% of AGYW were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied", and roughly 20% of AGYW were "little satisfied" that their needs had been met that day. Among AGYW interviewed there is a high level of knowledge about SRH and HIV counseling services as compared to STI testing, treatment, and clinical care. Specific attention should be given to ensuring appropriate physical infrastructure, such as dedicated adolescent friendly spaces and comfortable seating. Targeted interventions that are focused on improving the quality of the services delivered, should be designed and implemented for those health facilities perceived by AGYW to have lower quality.