Exploring adolescents’ perceptions regarding youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in a selected Community Health Centre (CHC) in uMgungundlovu District.

Abstract

Background One of the key concerns globally is the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents, especially in developing countries and regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where the largest number of deaths is due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), (World Health Organization, 2014). According to the WHO, 2014, an estimated 16 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 years give birth every year, and most of these girls come from low- and middle-income countries. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents’ perceptions regarding youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services in a selected community health centre (CHC) in uMgungundlovu District in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Methodology A quantitative research design, utilising a survey, was chosen for the study. A non-probability convenient technique was selected. A sample of 169 adolescents was included in the study using the convenience sampling method. Findings The study revealed that healthcare staff generally has positive attitudes towards rendering sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents in the selected CHC. Recommendations The recommendations arising from this research, therefore, focus on nursing practice and the formulation of policies for addressing adolescents’ perceptions regarding youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and the involvement of youths in its delivery if one is already in place. Nursing education regarding the inclusion of adolescent youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health in the curriculum, as well as further which will focus more on male adolescents’ perceptions.