Background: Addressing the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of young people remains a challenge for\nmost developing countries. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of Health Service Providers (HSP)\nin providing SRH services to young people in Kenya.\nMethods: Qualitative study conducted in eight health facilities; five from Nairobi and three rural district hospitals in\nLaikipia, Meru Central, and Kirinyaga. Nineteen in-depth interviews (IDI) and two focus group discussions (FGD) were\nconducted with HSPs. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and analysed using the\nthematic framework approach.\nResults: The majority of HSPs were aware of the youth friendly service (YFS) concept but not of the supporting\nnational policies and guidelines. HSP felt they lacked competency in providing SRH services to young people\nespecially regarding counselling and interpersonal communication. HSPs were conservative with regards to providing\nSRH services to young people particularly contraception. HSP reported being torn between personal feelings,\ncultural and religious values and beliefs and their wish to respect young people�s rights to accessing and\nobtaining SRH services.\nConclusion: Supporting youth friendly policies and competency based training of HSP are two common\napproaches used to improve SRH services for adolescents. However, these may not be sufficient to change HSPs�\nattitude to adolescents seeking help. There is need to address the cultural, religious and traditional value systems\nthat prevent HSPs from providing good quality and comprehensive SRH services to young people. Training\nupdates should include sessions that enable HSPs to evaluate how their personal and cultural values and beliefs\ninfluence practice.
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