Table 2 Barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services reported by adolescents
Demand-side barriers | Supply-side barriers |
|---|---|
Socio-cultural norms and taboos regarding sex and adolescent sexual behavior: | Judgmental attitudes of health service providers |
- Stigma and shame | Cost of services and commodities |
- Fear of disclosure | Lack of privacy and confidentiality |
- Fear of being seen attending services | Lack of services/skilled service providers |
- Opposition and disapproval from parents and communities | Inconvenient location of services |
- Community or religious 'rules’ that inhibit discussion of sex or access to services | Insufficient time for counselling |
Uncertainty about what they will be asked by a service provider and/or anxiety about physical examination | Unreliable commodity supply |
Lack of knowledge about SRH and services | |
Lack of experience attending health services |