Adolescent health care in a multi-cultural area: a qualitative study from adolescents’ perspective

Abstract

Only few studies have investigated adolescents’ own views of health care in relation to socio-economic contexts. This study evaluated the Adolescent Health Service in Angered, a socio-economically disadvantaged, multi-cultural area in Gothenburg, Sweden, to identify factors that may facilitate or impede access to and visits at such services. Data were collected through focus groups with 11 female and 12 male adolescents and thematically analysed according to young peoples’ conceptions of adolescent health services, their needs and experiences thereof, and factors that could facilitate or impede their use of such services. By enhancing competence, concern and respect amongst staff and ensuring acceptable practical arrangements, sufficient information, familiarisation and involvement of adolescents and parents, services can provide accessible and acceptable health care for young people, thus contributing to fulfilment of adolescents’ right to health.