Barriers to vulnerable adolescent girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health

Abstract

Background Vulnerable adolescents are exposed to sexual and reproductive health harms. Ignoring the sexual and reproductive health of this group can have irreparable consequences. The present qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers to the access of vulnerable adolescent girls to sexual and reproductive health. Methods In this study, sixteen 14-19-year-old adolescent girls and twenty-two key informants were selected using purposive sampling method. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews, they expressed their experiences of barriers to sexual and reproductive health in vulnerable adolescent girls. The data were encoded using the conventional qualitative content analysis. Results Based on the results of the study, neglecting the reproductive and sexual health of vulnerable adolescent girls at different levels leads to serious challenges and obstacles in providing and maintaining it. Lack of a responsible family, the repulsive behaviors of the family and following risky behaviors of peers led to ignoring the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls. Unanswered sexual questions, defective life skills, unwanted pregnancy during adolescence, lack of awareness of unsafe sex, violating cultural norms and wounded psyche in vulnerable adolescent girls threaten their sexual and reproductive health. Ineffectiveness of key organizations in providing sexual and reproductive health services alongside lack of legal, political and social support in this area indicate that the sexual and reproductive health of these girls is not a priority for the society. Conclusion Numerous personal, family, social, legal and political barriers challenge the sexual and reproductive health of vulnerable adolescent girls. Developing a comprehensive and practical program beside legal and political support for this issue can provide the basis for the sexual and reproductive health of this group of adolescents in societies.

“I want one nurse who is friendly to talk to me properly like a friend”: Learner preferences for HIV and contraceptive service provision in Gauteng, South Africa

“…This includes being further stigmatised by healthcare staff who openly question youth about whether their sexual activities are age appropriate. Stigma is also noted by numerous studies to be a universal issue affecting individuals in all areas of their lives and is shown to affect healthcare-seeking behaviour [ 23 ], [ 24 ]. Context-specific innovative programs, example mastery experiences through sport which will also include vicarious experiences whereby youth observe peers succeeding at certain sports, are needed to build up self-efficacy and resilience within youth themselves which could then empower them to deal with experiences of stigma more effectively.…”

Navigating the Challenges: A Comprehensive Review of Adolescent Gynecological Problems

“…The stigmatization of vulnerable adolescents, coupled with social taboos and fear of repercussions, often deters individuals from seeking assistance and may lead to concealing injuries. Adolescents, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, may encounter shame and stigma when accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…In addressing stigma and taboos within adolescent gynecological care, collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and educators are imperative. This entails raising awareness, advocating for body positivity, and delivering comprehensive education on menstrual health, sexual health, and reproductive health [29][30][31][32].…”

Current State of the Reproductive Health of Adolescent Girls and the Issues of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding as Its Component (Literature Review)

“…Numerous domestic and foreign studies have pointed to the deterioration of the reproductive and somatic health of adolescent girls and the problem of the prevalence of gynecological diseases. An analysis of the literature shows that modern adolescent girls are characterized by a high incidence of gynecological pathology, reproductive disorders, an increase in the number of unwanted pregnancies, an increase in the number of abortions, cases of HIV infection, and sexually transmitted infections [3,4]. Today, in Ukraine, there is a 73.7% increase in the prevalence of diseases among adolescents compared to economically developed countries [5].…”

“…На погіршення репродуктивного та соматичного здоров'я дівчат-підлітків, проблему поширеності гінекологічних захворювань вказують численні вітчизняні та зарубіжні дослідження. Аналіз даних літератури показує, що для сучасних дівчат-підлітків характерні висока частота гінекологічної патології, порушень репродуктивної сфери, збільшення кількості небажаних вагітностей, зростання кількості абортів, випадків інфікування ВІЛ, інфекцій, що передаються статевим шляхом [3,4]. На сьогодні в Україні відзначається на 73,7% збільшення поширеності хвороб серед підлітків у порівнянні з економічно розвинутими країнами світу [5].…”