Assessing the youth-friendliness of youth clinics in northern Sweden: a survey analyzing the perspective of the youth

Abstract

Background: Sweden has nearly 300 youth clinics that have been offering services since the 1970s. However, no evaluation has been done to assess their youth-friendliness. This study aims to assess: i) to what extent youth clinics are perceived as youth-friendly by the young people using them; and ii) if the level of youth friendliness is equally perceived across different sociodemographic groups of users. Methods: The four northernmost counties of Sweden were included in the study. Of the total identified 22 youth clinics, 20 participated by giving out questionnaires to the youth after their visits to the respective youth clinics. In total 1110 youth participated in the study and answered questions according to the World Health Organization's criteria of accessibility, equity, respect, privacy and confidentiality, no judgement, and quality. Means and frequencies were calculated, and t-test and ANOVA were used to compare means by sociodemographic variables. Results: Participants perceived the youth clinics as very youth friendly across the measured domains, with scores as high as 4.8 and 4.9 (of a maximum of 5). Youth clinics were perceived in a similar way regardless of gender, but other sociodemographic factors influenced some of the domains, especially ethnic background. Conclusions: The perception of youth friendliness in youth clinics was very high. Nonetheless, younger users; users who did not categorize themselves as either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual; users with trans-experiences; and users with non-Swedish backgrounds gave youth clinics lower scores for certain domains.

A safe place – Adolescents’ and young adults’ perceptions of youth clinics in northern Sweden

“…Although previous research has shown that YCs in northern Sweden are youth-friendly [19,20] no qualitative studies have looked in-depth at how Swedish youth perceive YFHS and in particular the 'youth friendliness' of these services. Knowledge about young people's specific needs and preferences and how they seek and receive help is crucial for ensuring that the right information and services are provided.…”

Identification of young people at risk of sexual ill health : implementing a new tool in youth clinics

“…To a large extent, both youth clinic staff and visitors regard Swedish youth clinics to be youth-friendly as defined by the WHO, that is, accessible, acceptable, equitable, appropriate, and effective for different youth sub-populations [102,105]. The young people's perception of youth friendliness was favourable regardless of gender.…”

“…The young people's perception of youth friendliness was favourable regardless of gender. However, younger visitors; users who did not categorize themselves as either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual; users with trans experiences; and users with non-Swedish backgrounds gave youth clinics lower scores for certain domains [105]. The professionals also acknowledged challenges regarding equitable access to different youth sub-populations.…”

Protecting, managing and bending boundaries: a biomedicalization perspective on Swedish youth clinics’ responses to mental (ill) health

“…Sweden has provided around 300 YCs, which have been working since the 1970s to respond to the healthcare needs of young people. According to a survey among young people using YCs in northern Sweden, YCs were rated highly in relation to several aspects of youth-friendliness such as accessibility, equity, respect, privacy and confidentiality, no judgement, and quality [ 24 ]. When it comes to offering first-line mental healthcare to young people, YCs have several advantages over other services – they are widespread, many employ professionals with expertise in mental (ill) health and, most importantly, they are trusted by young people [ 2 ].…”