Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: BackgroundMale adolescent's needs, behaviours and expectations are unique due to the influence of social constructions of masculinity.These behaviours and expectations have an effect on their health seeking behavior.The routine health services are generally not organized to provide the services that can meet the needs of male adolescents.The aim of this study was to describe the health seeking behaviours, knowledge about the available services, as well as experiences, and barriers to access and utilization of the reproductive health services among male adolescents in Lusaka. Study designA descriptive, qualitative study was conducted among male adolescents in a peri-urban setting in Lusaka.Four focus group discussions were conducted with 46 adolescents aged between 13 and 24 years of age, and six key informant interviews.Data was audio-tape recorded and transcribed verbatim.Thematic content analysis was done. ResultsHealth concerns were related to the social, psychological, societal and puberty needs of participants.Concerns, questions and queries about masturbation were common, especially among the younger adolescents.Most problems related to puberty and body changes rather than sexual and reproductive health matters per se.Knowledge about the available sexual and reproductive health services was generally low, with some young men being completely unaware of the existence of youth friendly services at the local clinic.Contrary to popular opinion, adolescents in this community reported that they did not seek help on sexual matters from friends and did not want to discuss their problems with their peers, due to fears of being marginalized.Perceived gender, cultural and social norms, lack of knowledge about the availability of adolescent reproductive health services, and poor attitudes among the health care providers were some of the identified barriers to seeking health care.Adolescents perceived health providers to be judgmental, not helpful and condescending towards young people.Lack of privacy and confidentiality were also reported as barriers to access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services.Adolescents were happy to accept available services from nongovernmental organizations and other private organizations rather than the public clinics and other health facilities. ConclusionsDespite acknowledging their needs, male adolescents did not access the needed services at Chawama clinic due to negative perceptions of the health services and the health care workers in particular.Gender, cultural and social norms, lack of knowledge on available services, confidentiality and quality of care remained major barriers to accessing SRH services.The current public health service is not -appropriate‖ for meeting male adolescents' sexual and reproductive health needs.Major restructuring and re orientation is needed to -win‖ over male adolescents to the services.
Author: Chilobe Kambikambi
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2271441190