Factors influencing access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents in Namibia: Insights from nurses.

Abstract

The use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by adolescents needs urgent attention worldwide, with a view to improving their health and wellbeing. The aim of the study is to examine and describe the factors that influence the access to, and utilisation of, SRH services by adolescents in primary healthcare facilities in Rundu District, Kavango East Region, Namibia. A qualitative approach with an explorative strategy was used, with data collected via semi-structured interviews. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 15 nurse respondents. Each interview was audio-recorded before being transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Two themes emerged: factors influencing access to, and utilisation of, SRH services; and strategies to improve the access to, and utilisation of, SRH services among adolescents. The study's findings showed that the factors include a lack of comprehensive SRH services in many healthcare facilities; cultural factors; distance to health facility; insufficient information about the services provided; stigma; nurses' attitudes; and lack of privacy. The results from this study could assist the Ministry of Health and Social Services and its stakeholders to create strategies to address the factors influencing access to, and utilisation of, SRH services.