Perceptions on the use of sexual reproductive health services by female school going adolescents: a case of Lusaka East.
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Date
2023
Authors
Ndhlovu, Suzyo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
In recent years, Sexual Reproductive Health has gained a lot of attention following the first discussions on the topic in 1994 at the International Conference for Population and Development. This follows a realisation that a significant number of adolescents engage in sexual activities and most cases do not practice safe sexual behaviours. In trying to understand why this is the case, the study analysed the perceptions on the use of Sexual Reproductive Health Services (SRH) services by female school-going adolescents in four secondary schools in the Eastern part of Lusaka. The study applied a qualitative research approach and a case study was used. The female school-going adolescents were purposively selected to be part of the study due to the characteristics they possessed to give the relevant information for the study. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. The study highlighted some perceived benefits of SRH services which included a reduction of teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, dropping out of school, early marriages and HIV/STIs infections. The study also revealed how perceptions such as unsupportive attitudes from service providers, myths related to family planning and abortion services as well as perceptions about the environment in which these services were provided negatively influenced the use of Sexual Reproductive Health services. Further, the study revealed the challenges that female adolescents faced in accessing SRH services. These challenges included service providers’ judgemental attitudes, limited information about SRH services and lack of confidentiality from peer educators and health service providers.
Keywords: Perceptions, use, Female school-going Adolescents, Sexual Reproductive Health Services
Description
Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies
Keywords
Sexual Reproductive Health Services--Use of. , Sexual reproductive health services.