Utilisation Of Sexual And Reproductive Healthcare Services By The Youth In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo: A Desktop Review

Abstract

Young people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experience a high burden of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, including early sexual debut, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed at reviewing and synthesizing existing literature on the utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services among youth in the DRC, with a focus on identifying patterns of use, key determinants, and persistent barriers.

This review was conducted utiling peer-reviewed publications, national demographic and health surveys, policy documents, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2025 utilising PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional repositories using relevant keywords. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on youth aged 10–24 years in the DRC. A thematic analysis approach was employed to extract and synthesize findings related to service utilization, socio-demographic factors, and health system influences.

The review found that utilization of SRH services among youth in the DRC is generally low, with significant disparities by age, gender, marital status, education level, and place of residence. Adolescents, particularly those aged 10–19 years, and unmarried youth are less likely to access services compared to older and married individuals. Major barriers identified include socio-cultural norms and stigma surrounding adolescent sexuality, lack of youth-friendly services, concerns about confidentiality, financial constraints, and limited awareness of available services. Health system limitations such as inadequate provider training, shortages of commodities, and weak integration of youth-focused programs further restrict access. Conversely, interventions involving community outreach, peer education, and school-based programs show promising results in improving knowledge and service uptake.

SRH service utilization among youth in the DRC remains constrained by interconnected individual, socio-cultural, and systemic barriers. Strengthening youth-friendly health services, enhancing comprehensive sexuality education, and addressing structural inequalities are essential to improve access and utilization. Future research should prioritize intervention-based studies and region-specific analyses to guide effective policy implementation.