Attitude of Health Care Providers towards Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Idesi Chilinda, Georgina Hourahane, Mercy Pindani, Caroline Chitsulo, Alfred Maluwa

Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe Campus, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Wales Centre for Evidence-Based Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2014.614203                

Abstract

The aim of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence regarding attitude of health care providers towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. The review was conducted following qualitative research method. An online search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify relevant studies for the review. There were nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and these were critically assessed by two independent reviewers using the standardised Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal forms. Data were extracted using the standardised JBI data extraction forms. A narrative synthesis was done on the findings. Key findings from the review indicate that unprofessional attitude of health care professionals and lack of youth friendly reproductive health services, inhibit adolescents from gaining access to sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. It is recommended that youth friendly reproductive health services be provided to increase uptake of re-productive health services by adolescents.

Keywords

Adolescents, Reproductive Health, Systematic Review, Access to Health Services, Qualitative Studies, Barriers, Attitudes, Developing Countries

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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