Perspectives on adolescent girls' health-seeking behaviour in relation to sexual and reproductive health in Nepal

Abstract

Aim: To explore health care providers' perspectives on adolescent girls' health-seeking behaviour in Nepal in relation to their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Twenty health-care providers were included in this interview study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council.

Findings: The main category 'Barriers affect adolescent girls' health-seeking behaviour in relation to their sexual and reproductive health' was divided into five categories: a conservative society with social stigma; lack of information, education and knowledge; lack of facilities and respectful care; insufficient confidentiality and privacy; and unmet needs of adolescent-friendly facilities.

Conclusions: Lack of knowledge among adolescent girls and unmet needs of adolescent-friendly facilities affect their access to sexual and reproductive health care in Nepal. Lack of knowledge could be seen as a barrier, and as a reason why adolescent girls do not seek sexual and reproductive health care.

Keywords: Adolescent girls; Content analysis; Reproductive health; Sexual health; Sexual rights.