Factors influencing the utilization of reproductive health services among people living with HIV in Portloko district, Northern Sierra Leone
Author (s)
Abdul Kamara, Alusine Frederick Kargbo, & Alpha Sidie Bangura
Abstract
Access to reproductive health services among people living with HIV (PLHIV) remains low in resource-constrained settings despite its importance for health outcomes and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. This study examined factors influencing reproductive health service utilization among PLHIV in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 192 PLHIV attending major health facilities. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Accessibility factors significantly affected utilization, including distance (χ²=8.12, p<0.05), transport availability (χ²=10.24, p<0.01), transport cost (χ²=9.87, p<0.05), and waiting time (χ²=14.21, p<0.001). Cultural beliefs and HIV-related stigma showed strong associations with service use; individuals experiencing high stigma demonstrated markedly reduced utilization (χ²=14.21, p=0.001). Gender norms—particularly partner-controlled decision-making—decreased uptake, while joint decision-making increased utilization (χ²=9.34, p=0.012). Socioeconomic factors including low income (χ²=14.62, p=0.001), unemployment, low literacy, and poor housing conditions also strongly influenced utilization. Reproductive health service utilization among PLHIV is influenced by inter-related structural, socio-cultural, and economic factors. Addressing these barriers requires improved accessibility, stigma reduction, gender-transformative programs, and socioeconomic support.
Key words: Reproductive health services, HIV, Stigma, Socioeconomic factors, Sierra Leone.
| Title: | Factors influencing the utilization of reproductive health services among people living with HIV in Portloko district, Northern Sierra Leone |
|---|---|
| Author: | Abdul Kamara, Alusine Frederick Kargbo, & Alpha Sidie Bangura |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Scientific Reports |
| Website: | http://ijsab.com/jsr |
| ISSN: | ISSN: 2708-7085 (Online), ISSN: 3079-9317 (Print) |
| Publisher | IJSAB International |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1172 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 13 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Acceptance Date: | 15/02/2026 |
| Date of Publication: | 17/02/2026 |
| PDF URL: | http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/1172.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 32-53 |
| First Page: | 32 |
| Last Page: | 53 |
| Paper Type: | Research Paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Amara, M. M. & Leonce, T. (2026). Application of Internet of Things and Cloud Platform in Smart Farms in Sierra Leone, Journal of Scientific Reports, 13(1), 1-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1172
About Author (s)
Abdul Kamara, University of Makeni, Makeni, Sierra Leone. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8163-0121
Alusine Frederick Kargbo (Corresponding Author), Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, China. & Department of Economics, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1679-5034
Alpha Sidie Bangura, School of National Development, Peking University, Beijing, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7995-8418
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1172
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