ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescence is a stage of human development when psychological and anatomical transformation processes have occurred. It is believed that when the transformation has limited adequate support, it may subsequently create problems in regards to sexual and reproductive health, for instance. Evidence shows that limited access to Adolescents’ Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) services leads to a lack of appropriate information and knowledge regarding ASRH and subsequently increased adolescents' vulnerability to sexual reproductive health risks as unsafe sex, sexual coercion, and early pregnancy.

Aim: This study explored ASRH services from adolescents, young mothers, and providers of ASRH services.

Method: An exploratory qualitative study was employed involving one-to-one, in-depth interviews with ten adolescents, ten young mothers, and seven ASRH services providers. Each participant was interviewed once. Data collected in public health centers and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach adapted from Braun and Clark's strategy.

Results: Three themes emerged, i.e., “Transition period, knowledge and Information about SRH”; “Access to ASRH services” and “It is challenging to discuss sexual matters.” Adolescents are generally have limited knowledge about SRH. They have challenges using available reproductive health services because of Indonesian socio-cultural barriers, i.e., discussing sexual reproductive health as taboo in Indonesian society.

Conclusion: The need for programs to address the role of underlying social norms in a more strategic and context-specific way to help adolescents navigate their sexual and reproductive lives.

Keywords: sexual reproductive health; adolescents; Indonesia; a qualitative study.