Publication:

A study of the functioning of the adolescent friendly health clinics as well as the awareness and health seeking behaviour of adolescents attending the adolescent friendly health clinics in the Rampurhat health district, West Bengal, India

Background Adolescents constitute more than half of the country's population and one-sixth of the global population. Many of them drop out of school, marry young, work in dangerous jobs and engage in sexual activity. Many of the SDGs are heavily reliant on adolescent health and well-being so services should be accessible, acceptable, equitable, appropriate, effective, and comprehensive. Objective of current study was to study the awareness and health seeking behaviour among the Adolescents girls and boys attending AFHCs as well as functioning of adolescent friendly health clinic services in Rampurhat health district.

Methods This is a Cross-sectional study among the adolescents belonging to the age group of 15-19 years attending AFHCs and are residents of Rampurhat health district, West Bengal.

Results 40% of adolescent friendly health clinics (AFHCs) are located away from the OPD/Labour Room or other congested areas. Except for sanitary napkins, which were available at 40% of clinics, 80% of AFHCs had 100% supplies of the equipment and commodities. Most adolescent girls (44.5%) experienced menstrual problems and most adolescent boys (27.1%) reported genital itching and urinary problems. 48.5% of clients stated that they did not feel compelled to visit AFHCs. Clinical services were provided to 60% of AFHCs, with the remaining 40% receiving only partial clinical services.

Conclusions One of the primary reasons for low utilisation of available Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) related services is a lack of awareness. Preventing adolescent well-being issues requires a multifaceted approach involving many partners, including adolescents, schools, parents, society, the government, and health care providers.