Title:
Health seeking behaviour and accessibility factors that influence utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescent and young males in Nigeria
Authors:
Ekponimo, Sylvia
Year:
2016
PAGE:
xiv, 63
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Health seeking behaviour, sexual and reproductive health, male sexuality, Nigeria
Abstract:
Background: Evidence from studies on the health seeking behaviour of males from different parts of the world including Nigeria, indicate that they are less likely than females to seek professional help for ill-health. Overall objective: To explore how health seeking behaviour and access influences the utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescent and young males in Nigeria; in order to inform SRH program managers and policy makers on appropriate strategies to improve access and ensure utilisation of SRH services. Methodology: The method for this study is a literature review. The Levesque et al. (2013) model was used to analyse findings. Findings: SRH needs of AYMs are access to information, skills and quality healthcare services. Factors influencing abilities of AYMs to access and utilise healthcare services include misconceptions about SRH needs, healthcare providers’ attitude, cost of services; non-availability of skilled and male-friendly healthcare providers. Conclusion: Misconceptions about sexuality which derive from gender norms and masculinity beliefs and the indifference to needs of AYMs influence their utilisation of SRH services. The unhealthy choices emanating from these gaps increase the risk of undesirable health outcomes among AYMs, and in the long run affect the health of their sexual partners who are most likely AYFs. Recommendations: The government through the Federal Ministry of Health should review policies to incorporate intent to address the SRH needs of AYMs; conduct research to increase understanding on the specific SRH needs of AYMs; and strengthen capacity of healthcare delivery system to provide male-friendly SRH services.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Health
Country:
Nepal, Federal Democratic Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health/International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2016 Ekponimo
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
xlBGPOedFF_20170427144048181.pdf