What's holding back youth-friendly health services in Blantyre, Malawi? A qualitative exploration
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Authors
Sibande, Grace Charity
Malapela, Rakgadi Grace
Issue Date
2023-09
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
adolescent , barriers , youth , youth friendly health services , utilization
Alternative Title
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.
Description
Citation
Sibande, G.C. and Malapela, R.G., 2023. What's holding back youth-friendly health services in Blantyre, Malawi? A qualitative exploration. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 27(9), pp.57-64.
Publisher
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1118-4841
2141-3606
2141-3606