Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Issues in Rural Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining the knowledge and perceptions of adolescents on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) rural Zimbabwe. Adolescents in Zimbabwe faces limited access to health information and services. Different factors like poverty, gender inequality, socio-cultural and economic status play a crucial role in determining adolescent’s access to ASRH knowledge. Qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Data was gathered through key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The culture of communicating ASRH problems with parents was non-existent in most cases save for girls who indicated that they got information from their mothers during menstruation periods. Adolescents indicated that they had limited access to ASRH services available in their community. They further indicated that they were not utilising these services for various reasons such as social stigma, lack of information, poor quality service and the negative attitude displayed by some nurses and counsellors at the nearest health centre.