AB012. Assessing the knowledge, perception and utilization of adolescents towards Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) in Malaysia: study protocol

Background: In Malaysia, Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS), known as Perkhidmatan Kesihatan Mesra Remaja (PKMR), were established in 1996 under the Family Health Development Division of the Ministry of Health and provide standardized care across five domains, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, mental health, high-risk behaviors, and physical health, through 1,087 clinics. Although AFHS play a vital role in addressing adolescents’ health needs, their utilization remains low compared with mainstream health services. Late adolescents aged 18–19 years represent a distinct developmental stage, yet no Malaysian study has comprehensively examined their knowledge, perception, and utilization of AFHS, particularly among those who have never accessed these services in public primary healthcare settings. This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and utilization of AFHS among late adolescents in Malaysia.

Methods: This study employs a quantitative approach. The tool will be adapted from existing international instruments and refined with input from subject matter experts to ensure contextual relevance and content validity. Respondent eligibility criteria are embedded within the tool. Data collection will be conducted through online distribution via social media platforms and in partnership with non-governmental organizations to enhance reach and participation.

Results: This study will help to determine the proportion of adolescents who are knowledgeable about AFHS, as well as their perceptions and patterns of utilization. These findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights into improving adolescents’ awareness towards the AFHS and identify strategies to strengthen their engagement with the AFHS. In addition, it also helps as a foundational reference to the development of a comprehensive interview guide for the subsequent qualitative phase, grounded in the selected framework.

Conclusions: This study will help to determine the proportion of adolescents who are knowledgeable about AFHS, as well as their perceptions and patterns of utilization. These findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights into improving adolescents’ awareness towards the AFHS and identify the strategies to strengthen their engagement with AFHS. In addition, it also helps as a foundational reference to the development of a comprehensive interview guide for the subsequent qualitative phase, grounded in the selected framework.

Keywords: Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS); health services access; Youth Health Services