Rachel Lebese
University of Venda, South Africa
Title: Teenagers perceptions of reproductive and sexual health services: Case study of selected villages within greater Giyani municipality, South Africa
Biography
Biography: Rachel Lebese
Abstract
HIV epidemic is worsening with almost 5 million new infections in 2003, mostly in developing countries and half of these new infections are among young people aged between 15-24 years. Th is study’s main objective was to explore the perceptions of teenagers on sexual and reproductive health services in selected villages within Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa. Qualitative, explorative, descriptive designs were used. Th e population included all teenagers both male and female age between 10-19 years old and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected through focus groups using unstructured interviews, observations and fi eld notes. Th e interview was directed by one central question which was, “what are your perceptions on sexual and reproductive health services?” Data was analyzed using the eight steps of Techs’ open coding method. Th e study found that teenagers have negative perception towards sexual and reproductive health services due to perceived barriers that exist which made them not to perceive any benefi ts of going to health facilities and utilize sexual and reproductive health services. Also some had positive perception on sexual and reproductive health services as they had knowledge of the available services at the clinics. Recommendation to the Department of Health, Education, community leaders and further research was made and a conclusion drawn from the results.