Attitudes of Gatekeepers Towards Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ghana

Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme, Kofi Awusabo-Asare, Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh

Abstract

Adults constitute gatekeepers on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). This qualitative paper discusses the views of adults on ASRH problems and challenges based on 60 in-depth interviews conducted among adults in Ghana in 2005. Adults were purposively selected based on their roles as parents, teachers, health care providers and community leaders. The major ASRH problems mentioned were teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. The results indicated a number of challenges confronting ASRH promotion including resistance from parents, attitudes of adolescents, communication gap between adults and adolescents and attitudes of health care providers. Among health workers three broad categories were identified: those who were helpful, judgmental and dictators. Some adults supported services for young people while others did not. Some served as mediators and assisted to ‘solve’ ASRH problems, which occurred in their communities. It is argued that exploring the views of adults about their fears and concerns will contribute to the development of strategies and programmes which will help to improve ASRH. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 142-153)

 

Keywords: Adolescents, Adults, Gatekeepers, Ghana, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health 

 

Résumé 

Les adultes constituent les gardiens sur la santé sexuelle et de la reproduction des adolescents (SSRA). Ce document qualitatif examine les points de vue des adultes sur les problèmes et les défis de la SSR en se basant  sur 60 entrevues en profondeur menées auprès des adultes au Ghana en 2005. Les adultes ont été intentionnellement sélectionnés en fonction de leur rôle de parents,  d’enseignants, de fournisseurs de soins de santé et de dirigeants communautaires. Les principaux problèmes de la SSR mentionnés  étaient la grossesse chez les adolescentes et le VIH / SIDA. Les résultats ont indiqué un certain nombre de défis auxquels est confrontée la promotion SSRA y compris la résistance des parents, les attitudes des adolescents, le manque de communication entre les adultes et les adolescents et les attitudes des fournisseurs de soins de santé. Parmi le personnel  de  santé, trois grandes catégories ont été identifiées: ceux qui étaient utiles, de jugement et de dictateurs. Certains adultes ont appuyé les services  pour les jeunes tandis que d'autres n'ont pas. Certains ont servi en tant que médiateurs et ont aidé à «résoudre» les problèmes de la SSR, qui ont eu lieu dans leurs communautés. L’on affirme  que l'exploration des points de vue des adultes sur leurs craintes et préoccupations contribuera à l'élaboration de stratégies et de programmes qui contribueront à améliorer SSRA. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[3]: 142-153)

 

Mots-clés: adolescents, portiers adultes,  Ghana, santé sexuelle et de la reproduction des adolescents  

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