Perceived Barriers to Accessing Reproductive Health Care Services Among Adolescents in Paksan District, Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR

Author

Thipphachan Duangmany

Abstract

 Despite efforts to strengthen services for adolescents and youth friendly in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), considerable challenges prevailed to accessibility of the services.  This study explored perceived barriers to accessing reproductive health care services among adolescents in Paksan District, examined factors influencing healthcare-seeking decisions, and identified strategies to improve access and service utilization. A qualitative research design was used, involving individual in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The study included 52 adolescents aged 15–19 years from Sythanaxay Secondary School: 40 participated in IDIs and 12 participated in two FGDs. Ten key informants, including teachers, healthcare providers, and Provincial Health Office staff, were also interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed thematically, guided by Levesque et al.’s Access to Healthcare Framework. Multiple interconnected barriers were identified, including fear of stigma and social judgment; limited knowledge of SRH and available services; limited parent–adolescent communication; transportation and distance; financial concerns; inconvenient service hours; waiting and crowded facilities; privacy and confidentiality concerns; and negative or judgmental provider attitudes. Adolescents expressed greater willingness to seek care when providers were friendly, respectful, knowledgeable, non-judgmental, and able to maintain confidentiality. Facebook and TikTok were also identified as convenient sources of SRH information, although participants recognized the risk of misinformation. Improving access therefore requires more than physical availability. Services should be confidential, private, affordable, convenient, respectful, and responsive to adolescents’ needs, supported by collaboration among schools, families, communities, and health authorities.

Keywords

Adolescents; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Perceived Barriers; Access to Healthcare; Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services

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References

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