IJCRR - 7(16), August, 2015
Pages: 34-48
EVALUATION OF ADOLESCENT FRIENDLY HEALTH SERVICES (AFHS): CLIENTS' PERSPECTIVES
Author: Dinesh Kumar, R.J. Yadav, Arvind Pandey
Category: Healthcare
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Abstract:
Context: Adolescent period is hazardous for adolescent health due to absence of proper guidance and counseling, which have not received proper attention and guidance because of which the need of Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) is emphasized. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of established Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHC) is desirable.
Aim: Evaluation of selected Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) with clients’ perspectives.
Methods: Evaluation study was conducted at two health facilities during November 2012 to February, 2013. Existing patterns of Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) were evaluated based on clients’ exit interviews in selected health facilities. Exit interviews of adolescents (clients) from selected AFHC and other OPD were conducted. Evaluation of AFHC was done based on its desired characteristics of availability, accessibility, and acceptability.
Results: Majority of respondents were self motivated to attend these clinics. Maximum number of clients took 30-60 min to approach the health facility. The physical environment in terms of waiting area was reportedly good by 21.7% clients of AFHC. Reading material was available as reported by 56.5% AFHC clients and 43.4% found the material interesting. Friendly behavior of doctors was reported by 100% clients but only by 90.9% respondents attending other OPDs. Confidentiality was maintained in most of cases. Overall satisfaction rates were 78.0% for AFHC clients and 73.0% for other respondents and about 65.0% AFHC
clients were encouraged to recommend these services to their friend also. Suggestions regarding free services to be provided were given by 52.1% clients whereas 34.7% AFHC clients reported long waiting time. Majority of clients attending AFHC were in favor of separate discussion with doctors.
Conclusions: Study concludes that Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AYFHS) need some improvements to provide appropriate services to them to make them available, accessible, and acceptable. Existing services were found to be lacking in terms of maintaining privacy of clients. Adolescent Friendly Health Initiatives (AFHI) should be developed and monitored at different levels as ongoing efforts using newer methodology and evaluation techniques.
Keywords: Adolescent friendly health services (AFHS), Adolescent friendly health initiatives (AFHI); Adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH)
Citation:
Dinesh Kumar, R.J. Yadav, Arvind Pandey. EVALUATION OF ADOLESCENT FRIENDLY HEALTH SERVICES (AFHS): CLIENTS' PERSPECTIVES International Journal of Current Research and Review. 7(16), August, 34-48
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