Individual determinants associated with utilisation of sexual and reproductive health care services for HIV and AIDS prevention by male adolescents.
Omari Shabani, Mary M Moleki, Gloria G B Thupayagale-Tshweneagae
PMID 30198290WHAT IT FOUND
Male adolescents avoid sexual health services because they lack knowledge of youth-friendly options and experience hostile, judgmental care.
Nurses' attitudes, lack of respect, and breaches of confidentiality were reported as primary barriers to accessing HIV and AIDS prevention services.
Key findings
01Participants reported that nurses' negative attitudes, lack of respect, and unprofessionalism were key determinants of poor service quality and barriers to utilisation.
02Male adolescents felt stigmatised and discriminated against due to nurses' attitudes and a lack of services designed specifically for them.
03Most participants lacked knowledge of specific Youth Friendly Services and used general clinics instead, often due to a lack of awareness.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The small sample size of 20 participants limits generalisability and external validity. The study was conducted in only one municipality, limiting transferability to other settings. Participants were recruited only if they spoke English, which may have limited their expression and excluded those who communicate better in their home languages. Recruitment relied on the researcher's colleagues and friends, introducing potential selection bias.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that educational interventions alone will increase utilisation. The study highlights that structural and interpersonal barriers, specifically nurses' hostile attitudes and lack of privacy, are significant deterrents that information campaigns cannot overcome if the clinical environment remains unwelcoming.