Abstract
Interpersonal relations between health care providers and young clients have long being cited as an important element for
improving client up take of services, satisfaction and overall health outcomes. In an era of HIV and AIDS this forms a critical
determinant to young people accessing sexual and reproductive health care. This study explores to what extent interpersonal
relations form a barrier to young peoples access to and satisfaction of health services. The study draws on data from 200
client exit interviews and four in-depth interviews conducted with university students and university health care staff in
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. While young people are aware of the importance of utilising STI, HIV and family planning services
they experienced barriers in their relationship with providers. This served as a deterrent to their use of the health facility.
Adequate training in interpersonal relations for youth-friendly service provision is essential in helping overcome communication
problems and enabling providers to interact with young clients at a more personal level.
improving client up take of services, satisfaction and overall health outcomes. In an era of HIV and AIDS this forms a critical
determinant to young people accessing sexual and reproductive health care. This study explores to what extent interpersonal
relations form a barrier to young peoples access to and satisfaction of health services. The study draws on data from 200
client exit interviews and four in-depth interviews conducted with university students and university health care staff in
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. While young people are aware of the importance of utilising STI, HIV and family planning services
they experienced barriers in their relationship with providers. This served as a deterrent to their use of the health facility.
Adequate training in interpersonal relations for youth-friendly service provision is essential in helping overcome communication
problems and enabling providers to interact with young clients at a more personal level.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9595-3
- Authors
- Farzana Alli, Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Pranitha Maharaj, School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Mohammed Yacoob Vawda, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145