Abstract:Background & Rationale Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) are essential in addressing the unique health challenges faced by adolescents. However, their uptake and utilization remain significantly lower compared to other mainstream health services. This underutilization is influenced by multiple factors, including limited awareness among adolescents, cultural and legal constraints, logistical challenges, financial barriers, and notably, the poor quality or unwelcoming nature of services provided. Recognizing these gaps, there is currently no study in Malaysia that specifically examines the Knowledge, Perception, and Utilization (KPU) of AFHS as a whole among adolescents, particularly those who have never accessed these services in public primary healthcare settings. Objectives This study aims to assess the level of Knowledge, Perception, and Utilization of Adolescent Friendly Health Services 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. Expected Outcomes / Significance 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. Status of Study Indicate whether the protocol is: Planned but not yet initiated
Keywords: Health Systems and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Adolescent Friendly Health Service, Youth Health Services, Health Services Access
