Abstract
BackgroundMale adolescent sexual and reproductive health is one of the essential healthcare programmes in the world. However, male adolescents still face numerous challenges in this area. Determinants of the utilisation of these services need to be known to develop strategies to improve utilisation of the available services by male adolescents.AimThe aim of this study was to identify the determinants of the utilisation of sexual and reproductive healthcare services by male adolescents in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa.SettingThe study was conducted in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa.MethodsAn explorative, descriptive and qualitative approach was employed. The study was contextual in nature, and purposive sampling was used. The population of the study consisted of male adolescents (aged 18–24 years) living in the Tshwane metropolitan Municipality. Twenty male adolescents participated in the study. Data collected using semistructured individual interviews were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis, and measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical consideration pertaining to the study were established.ResultsThe perception of existing services was found to be a significant individual factor influencing them negatively in utilising the services. This was linked to the violation of their rights as human beings by healthcare providers, their unmet expressed needs and the ineffectiveness as well as inefficiency of the support structures.ConclusionThese results suggest that utilisation of these services by male adolescents can be improved by changing their perception of the existing services through support from different structures of the society.
Highlights
Male adolescent sexual and reproductive health is one of the essential healthcare programmes in the world
The perception of existing services was found to be a significant individual factor influencing them negatively in utilising the services. This was linked to the violation of their rights as human beings by healthcare providers, their unmet expressed needs and the ineffectiveness as well as inefficiency of the support structures. These results suggest that utilisation of these services by male adolescents can be improved by changing their perception of the existing services through support from different structures of the society
Sexual and reproductive health is about human rights for both men and women. With regard to these rights, there is much literature calling for the need for programmes for males to be put in place in South Africa as there is little in the way of policies or programmes that have specific guidelines for male sexual and reproductive health services (SRHCS) (Ramkissoon et al 2010)
Summary
Male adolescent sexual and reproductive health is one of the essential healthcare programmes in the world. People must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections All these can be achieved through the effective and efficient utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services (SRHCS) available or at their disposal. Sexual and reproductive health is about human rights for both men and women With regard to these rights, there is much literature calling for the need for programmes for males to be put in place in South Africa as there is little (or nothing) in the way of policies or programmes that have specific guidelines for male SRHCS (Ramkissoon et al 2010). According to Collumbien and Hawkes (2010), researchers have observed the failure of public sector programmes to take cognisance of male sexual health problems. If programmes addressing the sexual health needs of males are to be http://www.hsag.org.za
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