Abstract

Programs such as the Friendly Clinic Initiative (NAFCI) accredited youth-friendly services (YFS) in South Africa have addressed issues such as HIV prevalence, sexual activity, and condom use, but they appear to have failed to significantly to reduce the incidence of pregnancy among learners who are still at school. This research sought to explore perceptions and experiences on the responsiveness of YFS in preventing unintended teenage pregnancy, from the viewpoints of teenage girls and boys in the township of Ekurhuleni (South Africa). This mixed-methods study included narratives with fifteen pregnant or teenage mothers, six focus groups, and a survey of 233 teenage boys and girls. Qualitative and quantitative data were assessed separately with thematic and descriptive analyses, respectively, and the outcomes were compared, combined, and discussed, where applicable. The findings of the study indicate that teenagers do not use the health services for prevention of unintended pregnancy and other consequences. They use the services only reactively and seem to perceive rather than experience barriers to attending any healthcare services. The study further highlights teenagers’ aspirations of the services that will address their daily struggles and impact their reproductive health status. They suggest several possible non-conventional approaches that could be implemented to improve the provision of sexual and reproductive health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was some evidence to demonstrate that there is a place for non-conventional service provision for young people. This paper concludes that sexual reproductive health services be positioned as services that support the well-being of young people by looking at their health needs comprehensively.