Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding sexual and reproductive health services among ethnic Somali female adolescents in Oslo, Norway

Abstract

Somali second generation female adolescents frequently underutilize services provided by the Sex and Society clinic in Oslo, possibly due to cultural contradictions associated with the discussion of sexuality. This qualitative study explores the sexual and reproductive health concerns provided by a group of second-generation Somali female adolescents residing in Oslo, an under-researched group in the Norwegian context. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, focusing on knowledge, attitude and practices of the sexual and reproductive health services of the clinic, including contraceptives. The following themes emerged: ‘The clinic could best serve sexually active individuals’, ‘Sensitivity regarding SRH services’, ‘I may need them after marriage’, and ‘Valued resources’. Facilitating factors discovered were: adolescents’ high degree of knowledge about the importance of using the services of the clinic to improve health and wellbeing in general, e.g. contraceptives. Barriers identified included socio-cultural issues such as cultural insensitivity, marital status, and sexual and reproductive health issues and contraception being untimely and inappropriately provided for female Somali adolescents. To promote the coverage of the clinic’s services and contraceptive use in the future, the participants suggested culturally sensitive service delivery initiatives, campaigns with the use of internet and peers, and maintaining confidentiality of services. Further research is recommended to understand more about the health needs within this age group of Somali females.