Abstract
As a previous step of a quantitative study about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among young Moroccan adults, and because of the sensitivity of this field, we aimed to examine its feasibility and acceptability through a qualitative approach. We conducted four focus groups composed of 26 participants from both sexes and aged from 18 to 23 years old, studying at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Tetouan. We carried out the coding and categorizing the verbatim transcripts using the QRS Nvivo v.10.0. The results show that the majority of participants do not know the concept of SRH except for some components such as HIV/AIDS and family planning and that the Internet is their leading source of information. They also show the influence of social norms and religion on sexual practices among female participants, whereas sexuality was the main concern of male participants. Therefore, sex and education seem to be the best way to solve SRH related problems. In fact, participants insisted on its integration into the basic school curriculum. They also expressed their need for an official website about SRH managed by experts as well as a health service specialized in SRH, both specific to adolescents and youth. We conclude that a quantitative study on this topic is feasible and acceptable in our context.
Highlights
Young people are essential to families, communities, and society
Too many young people still go from childhood to adulthood without having had accurate, complete, or non-judgmental information about their sexual health, which affects their physical, social, and emotional development and makes them more vulnerable to exploitation and other harmful consequences [1]
We adopted a qualitative approach for two reasons: first, to explore the sensitive nature of our research topic in terms of the acceptability of the process to the concept of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) by young people at the Higher Institute of the Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS) of Tetouan, as well as their knowledge and future needs regarding sexuality and procreation; and second, as a preliminary to quantitative research to explore new areas, concepts, and before behaviours beginning to measure them [7]
Summary
Young people are essential to families, communities, and society. Too many young people still go from childhood to adulthood without having had accurate, complete, or non-judgmental information about their sexual health, which affects their physical, social, and emotional development and makes them more vulnerable to exploitation and other harmful consequences [1]. The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action, held in Cairo in 1994, recognized that everyone has the right to achieve the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. Culture and beliefs influence young people's SRH. Parents cannot discuss sensitive topics with their children due to the 'culture of shame’, which prevents adults, and children from talking about their bodies or their sexual activity, and makes it difficult to ask for help in the aftermath of violence and sexual assault [4]
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