Pathfinder International Ethiopia has been integrating peer education activity as key element of adolescent and youth reproductive health program. The objective of this study was to describe the contribution of peer educators in health service demand generation and service utilization in youth friendly Service.

The study employed cross-sectional design with mixed methods approach. We conducted 56 in-depth interviews (health center heads, service providers, school club focal person and district adolescent and youth health focal person) and 403 exit interviews with beneficiaries in four regions. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data using SPSS version 20. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis and interpretation of the findings.

A total of 353 respondents participated in the exit interview. Of these 62 percent were female of which two-third were single and about half were in-school. Among those who have heard about youth friendly service, the common source of information was peer educators (38.5%). Most providers described that when adolescents and youth coming to seek health services; boys come to look for condoms and girls for pregnancy test, post abortion care and contraception services.

Health care providers and facility heads interviewed stressed the importance of peer educators in supporting YFS activities. The study demonstrates the positive impact of peer educators in not only adolescent and youth reproductive health but to the whole health system. Therefore, the peer education program should continue to be an integral part of provision of youth friendly services.