Access To And Knowledge Of Sexual And Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescent School Girls In Gobabis, Namibia

Abstract

This study offered unique insight in the challenges and opportunities that exist for adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) in Gobabis. It focused on exploring adolescent access to reproductive health services through the experiences of adolescent girls and healthcare providers. It was a qualitative case study. The data was collected through interviews with adolescent girls and key-informants who are experienced healthcare providers. This approach provided an in-depth understanding of adolescent reproductive health needs and barriers hindering their access to SRHS in Gobabis. Participating schools and health centres were selected using a purposive sampling technique while the individual girls were sampled using a quota sampling technique. The data gathered from participants was analysed manually using content analysis. The findings show that the girls have access to SRHS. However, they lack a comprehensive understanding of their sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). As such, this could have affected the meaning attached to their reproductive health. Generally, the girls are aware of a variety of SRHS available at their local health centres but needed more information on their sideeffects. The most commonly sought after SRHS was the contraceptive ‘injection’, family planning pills, condoms and the morning after pill. Others included, counselling services and general health information. However, barriers such as the high cost of service in private facilities, the waiting time in government facilities, negative attitudes from nurses and lack of parental support and discussion on issues surrounding sex and sexuality continue to impact access to SRHS. The researcher recommends mother and daughter community health clubs at health centres that can facilitate discussions on SRH among parents, adolescents and health professionals in order to effectively communicate the importance of adolescent reproductive health.