Stakeholders’ perceptions of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health needs in Southeast Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study explored the perceptions of adult stakeholders on adolescents sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, variations of perceived needs by different social stratifiers and adolescent’s perceived interventions to address these needs. This will provide evidence that could be useful for policy and programme reviews for improving access and use of services in to meet the SRH needs of adolescents.DesignA qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Ebonyi state, Southeast, Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic framework and content analysis approaches.Setting and participantsThis qualitative study was conducted in six selected local government areas in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. The study participants comprised of adult stakeholders including community leaders, adolescent boys and girls aged 13–18 years. Adolescents were purposively selected from schools, skill acquisition centres and workplaces. A total of 77 in-depth interviews, 6 (with community leaders) and 12 (with adolescents) focus group discussions were conducted using pretested question guides.ResultsAdolescent SRH needs were perceived to be unique and special due to their vulnerability, fragility and predisposition to explore new experiences. Recurring adolescent SRH needs were: SRH education and counselling; access to contraceptive services and information. These needs were perceived to vary based on sex, schooling and marital status. Adolescent girls were perceived to have more psychological needs, and more prone to negative health outcomes. Out-of-school adolescents were described as more vulnerable, less controlled, less supervised and more prone to sexual abuse. Unmarried adolescents were perceived more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and risks, while married were perceived to have more maternal health service needs.ConclusionsPerceptions of adolescents’ SRH needs converge among stakeholders (including adolescents) and are thought to vary by gender, schooling and marital status. This calls for well-designed gender-responsive interventions that also take into consideration other social stratifiers and adolescent’s perceived SRH intervention strategies.

Sexual and reproductive health information needs; an inquiry from the lens of in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

“…These predictors contribute greatly to adolescents’ perceived need for SRH information which could either hinder or promote adolescents’ access to or utilization of SRH information and services. Slightly similar to our findings, Okeke and colleagues revealed that the SRH need of adolescents varies based on some social stratifies such as gender, marital and schooling status [ 26 ]. Considering several factors, studies have shown that all adolescents should be empowered with the right SRH information through regular information campaigns, seminars, workshops, and conferences [ 26 , 28 ].…”

“…Slightly similar to our findings, Okeke and colleagues revealed that the SRH need of adolescents varies based on some social stratifies such as gender, marital and schooling status [ 26 ]. Considering several factors, studies have shown that all adolescents should be empowered with the right SRH information through regular information campaigns, seminars, workshops, and conferences [ 26 , 28 ]. This will create demand for SRH information and other services among adolescents, empowering them to overcome their SRH needs [ 26 ].…”

“…Many of them reported the need for adolescents to be provided with information about safe sex and sexual relations while a considerable number of adolescents in this study pointed out the need for information about condom use and prevention of STI/RTIs to be provided. Conforming to these findings, adolescents and adult stakeholders in a qualitative study perceived the need for adolescents to be provided with continuous sexuality education [ 26 ]. A previous study revealed that adolescents and young people reported that they are not receiving all the right information they need to make informed choices regarding their SRH [ 27 ].…”

Impact of a capacity-building intervention on views and perceptions of healthcare providers towards the provision of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional qualitative study

“…Rationale: the implementation of the capacity-building intervention was preceded by a baseline assessment and scoping literature review, to determine the views and perceptions of healthcare providers toward adolescent clients seeking SRH services, the capacity needs of these healthcare providers in delivering SRH services to adolescents, and the potential feasible strategies for improving their views and perceptions, and addressing their capacity needs. The baseline assessment highlighted the need for targeted training and supportive supervision of both formal and informal healthcare providers 5 8 11 30–32…”

“…Despite the clear need for adolescents to access quality SRH services,5 6 the utilisation rate for SRH services, including contraceptives, remains considerably low among this age group 7–9. Although adolescents have considerable knowledge about contraceptive methods, they do not make use of these contraceptive methods in Nigeria 10–12.…”