Abstract

Reducing unmet need for family planning services among adolescents is vital in achieving the family planning policy in Malawi. Despite Malawi government’s implementation of different programmes to improve the accessibility of FP services, there is a high prevalence of unmet need for contraception among adolescents. This qualitative study aimed at assessing factors influencing access to family planning services among adolescents in Malawi, specifically of Kawale Township in Lilongwe District. The study employed the qualitative approach to get an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study. The sample size of the study was 25 (20 adolescents aged 15 to 24 and 5 family planning service providers from health facilities within Kawale Township). Kawale Township was selected for this study because of adolescents’ low uptake of family planning services despite availability of youth friendly health services in the township. Data were collected through semi structured interviews (IDIs & KIIs) and analysed inductively using the thematic analysis method. Findings show that adolescent’s access to family planning services was influenced by adolescents’ perception of accessing family planning services, individual/community norms against family planning services, and health care system barriers. The study findings shows that adolescents are misinformed about family planning services hence the fear to access the services. It is evident from the findings that addressing the barrier factors would significantly improve adolescents’ access to family planning services. The study suggests a stepping-up of the following communication approaches; mass communication campaigns, community sensitization/awareness and school health programs on adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and rights. The findings suggests that policy makers and program implementers should consider the diverse preferences among youth and parents and continue seeking their input when designing policies and programs and address the contradictions and inconsistencies in policy frameworks. More health workers should get trained in youth friendly health service delivery. Health and education policy makers should consider investing in youth clubs and school-based adolescent family planning services.

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School	: School of Arts, Communication and Design
Issued Date	: 2024

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