In additon to some of the reasons cited above, think of the reasons as to why the adolescents do not avail the health services.
In fact, they face constraints in seeking services due to barriers such as:
(i) Myths and misconceptions related to the development of sexual and reproductive organs.
(ii) Lack of knowledge of the location of the health services or the kinds of services offered by them.
(iii) Adolescents are not able to go to clinics as their timings do not match their schedule. They cannot miss school and college classes to visit these clinics.
(iv) Lack of privacy and confidentiality in health clinics.
(v) Long waiting period in the public health clinics.
(vi) Cannot afford the fees of the private set up.
(vii) No transport or means to go to these clinics, specially in rural areas. Moreover, they are unable to afford the cost of visiting these clinics.
(viii) Negative attitudes or judgemental behaviour of nurse/ doctor.
(ix) The routine hospitals do not entertain adolescents coming alone, especially when they have issues regarding sexual and reproductive health.
Most hospitals require the parent to accompany them and/ or to give permission for any procedure or testing as per the legal requirement.
