ADOLESCENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF YOUTH FRIENDLY CENTERS IN THE ADENTAN MUNICIPAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Adolescence has been described as a transitional period between childhood and adulthood and falls within the ages of 10 to 19 years. It is a critical stage of life characterized by rapid biological, emotional and social development. Youth friendly centers were created to offer adolescent/youth friendly services globally. These centers are to be accessible, acceptable, equitable and effective to ensure full patronage by adolescents. This study was to determine adolescents’ perceptions of Youth friendly centers in the Adentan Municipality.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive and qualitative data collection approach. Eight focus group discussions were held with adolescents and four in-depth interviews conducted with peer educators as well as three in-depth interviews with service providers in the municipality. The results were analyzed using the NVIVO software.

Results: Adolescents were found to have little knowledge of Adolescent Friendly Centers/Services. They were aware of some common adolescent health problems like teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse. They patronized both government and private health facilities and pharmacies/drug stores for health care as well as use of herbal preparations.

The study also found that adolescents did not find the cost of the services at the health facilities a challenge because these costs were borne by their parents and teachers. Cost of family planning products was also found to be affordable. Adolescents were also satisfied with waiting time and attitude of service providers. Some adolescents wanted the services located near them so they can have easy access whilst others wanted the location further away so that they would not be seen accessing the services.

Conclusion: Although adolescents had little knowledge of Youth Friendly Centers/Services, service providers were providing services which the adolescents found to be beneficial. There is the need to establish youth friendly corners in all the sub- municipals and create awareness of their existence.