Access to confidential sexual health services

The authors conducted one-on-one interviews with adolescent females, aged 13 to 16, concerning their perception of the confidentiality of sexual health services available to them. Participants were selected from an urban school with a youth health centre (YHC) and also from a rural school without access to a YHC. They typically viewed traditional health services as not confidential and reported concern about disclosure to parents. This qualitative study suggests that adolescent females have an absolute need to maintain positive parental regard by preventing disclosure of sexual activity.