What's holding back youth-friendly health services in Blantyre, Malawi? A qualitative exploration

Abstract

The use of Youth Friendly Health Services remains sub-optimal in Sub-Saharan Africa despite global agreements on the same. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to utilization of Youth Friendly Health Services in Blantyre, Malawi. This was a qualitative study drawing on three focus group discussions of youths aged 10 to 24 (N=24) and individual interviews with Youth Friendly Health Service providers from four health facilities (N=6). Thematic analysis by Braun and Clark 2006 was used to analyse collected data. Seven themes emerged from the findings: frequent stockouts of medical supplies, lack of entertainment, sporting activities and supporting equipment, lack of dedicated space for Youth Friendly Health Services, lack of knowledge, financial constraints, misconceptions, and distance to the health facilities. Addressing these barriers would increase the utilization of Youth Friendly Health Services and, in turn, increase contraceptive uptake, hence reducing unintended pregnancies and their associated complications.