Sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people: identification of demands and experiences based on a qualitative study in communities in five Brazilian cities

Abstract

This article analyzes the experiences and demands of young people regarding sexual and reproductive health. This is a qualitative study that used ethnographic observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. It assessed 139 male and female participants aged 15 to 24 years living in five low-income Brazilian communities located in Porto Alegre, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, and Salvador. When analyzing the experiences and demands of young people regarding sexual and reproductive health, including HIV testing, despite regional specificities, the interviewees share similar perspectives regarding the use of local public health services. Complaints about long waiting times for care and insufficient professionals were emphasized by the interviewees. At an individual level, young people have trouble accessing health information and services due to barriers such as poor knowledge about their rights, shame, and stigma associated with sexual and reproductive health issues, as well as fear of testing positive for HIV. The lack of dialogue and guidance on sexuality and health in the family also contributes to this vulnerability. At a programmatic level, discrepancies between the working conditions and dynamics of health units and the demands of adolescents and young people, associated with poor preparation of health professionals to address specific issues of this population, are highlighted as obstacles. This study concluded that there is a lack of regular spaces for learning and dialogue about sexuality, prevention, and care for the youth due to absent investment in public health care and professional training.