A cross sectional study to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding adolescent friendly health care services among adolescent girls in selected schools of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya

Abstract

Adolescent Friendly Health Care Services (AFHS) are designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents aged 10 to 19, focusing on accessibility, confidentiality, and respect. In Meghalaya, adolescent girls face health challenges, and this study evaluates their awareness and attitudes toward AFHS. The study surveyed 133 girls aged 16 to 19 from higher secondary schools in East Khasi Hills, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results revealed that 70.7% of the participants had average knowledge about AFHS, 16.5% had good knowledge, and 12.8% had poor knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 67.7% had a moderately favorable attitude, 18.8% had a highly favorable attitude, and 13.5% had an unfavorable attitude. Significant associations were found between knowledge and religion (p = 0.003), and between attitude and the mother’s occupation (p = 0.011). Overall, most girls exhibited average knowledge and attitudes toward AFHS, with only a small percentage showing poor knowledge and unfavorable attitudes.