Assessing the impact of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services on mental health outcomes among young women in Zimbabwe: a case of Mabvuku/Tafara
- Author
- Chigwada, Rutendo H.
- Title
- Assessing the impact of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services on mental health outcomes among young women in Zimbabwe: a case of Mabvuku/Tafara
- Abstract
- The growing concern on limited access to quality SRH services amid ever-growing mental health challenges among young women has necessitated an exploration of the intersection between health service provision and this affected population's psychological well-being. This study investigates the effect of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services on mental health outcomes among young women in the high-density suburbs of Mabvuku and Tafara in Harare, Zimbabwe. This study adopts a mixed-methods design, which integrates quantitative data obtained through structured surveys and qualitative insights gathered from focus group discussions and in depth interviews. Data were collected from a sample of 50 participants who were selected using the integration of convenience and snowballing sampling methods. The findings reveal that the access to comprehensive SRH services, including contraception and STI screenings, counselling, and menstrual health support, is significantly associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Participants with consistent access to SRH services also exhibited higher levels of autonomy, body confidence, and social support. Emphasizing the crucial integration of health services between mental and physical health outcome mechanisms, the study calls for policy reform with an emphasis on youth-centered, community-driven SRH programs. With an overarching lens on public health, gender equity, and sustainable development in Zimbabwe, these findings further contribute to the dialogue.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Mental Health Outcomes
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
- Young Women
- Supervisor
- Mr. M. Gomo
- Item sets
- Department of Sustainable Development
- Media
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Chigwada, Rutendo H..pdf