A qualitative study in Rwamagana District, Rwanda, on the acceptability and utilisation of sexual and reproductive services in youth corners

Background Teenage pregnancies remain a pressing issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda. Adolescent girlsand young women (AGYW) continue to face a myriad of challenges in accessing sexual reproductive health (SRH)services. This study examines the accessibility and utilization of SRH services provided to AGYW in youth corners inRwamagana district, Rwanda. It seeks to explore challenges and opportunities for accessing SRH services in youthcorners.Methods Utilising a descriptive qualitative research design, the study included 8 in-depth focus group discussionsand 4 key informant interviews. Stratified sampling methodology was utilised to increase the representativeness ofthe AGYW and 71 AGYW participated in the study. The feminist standpoint theory aided in focusing on marginalisedvoices, analysing power structures and contextualising experiences of AGYW in Rwamagana. The socio-ecologicalmodel was used to analyse data using thematic analysis.Results The findings reveal various SRH services accessed by AGYW in youth corners, including family planning,services regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and menstrual hygiene management. Barriers to serviceutilisation included limited knowledge about the available services, distance to health facility, unavailability ofsome services, AGYW being viewed as a prostitute when one is seen with condoms, norms that discourage opendiscussions about sexual health, and stigma surrounding the use of contraceptives. This was further worsened by thegender norms which create additional hurdles for AGYW, as they navigate societal expectations and restrictions thatare not equally imposed on their male counterparts. The inconsistent availability of services coupled with diverseoperating schedules also posed a challenge to accessing services. Most AGYW expressed trust in the healthcareproviders’ ability to maintain confidentiality, given their training and professional obligations. This sense of trust actedas a motivating factor for AGYW to be more open and forthcoming in utilising the available SRH services.Conclusion Addressing the identified challenges faced by AGYW in accessing SRH services in youth corners will helpto promote their well-being and bodily autonomy.