Adolescent reproductive health care services: knowledge, perspectives, and challenges among service providers in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria

Abstract

Adolescence is a phase of life characterized by several reproductive health challenges that require support to navigate. However, access  to adolescent and youth-friendly health service (AYFHS) centers to provide this support is limited. Perspective of healthcare workers  (HCW) towards understanding the challenges to service provision has not been systematically documented. This study therefore  documents the perspectives of HCWs on the types of services accessed by adolescents, and associated challenges in Makurdi, Benue  State, Nigeria. The facility-based descriptive qualitative study used an in-depth interview guide among program officers in the 11 youth- friendly health centers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. The provision of HIV prevention services  and AYFHS was appropriate while adolescents have preferences for facilities where their confidentiality is protected, and other needs are  met. Reported challenges were lack of privacy, high cost of transportation to facilities, high staff attrition, poor awareness of the facilities  and services, and parental consent. Suggestions for improvement included prolonged retention of youth-friendly trained staff, better  client confidentiality, and economic empowerment of the adolescents to access services when needed. While the providers’ perspective  on AYFHS for adolescents was positive, related challenges were also identified. Government and other stakeholders should collaborate to  ensure the right environment for accessibility and utilization of AYFHS.