Sexual and reproductive health among young people, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We aimed to analyze the geographic distribution, the structure of healthcare services and the human resources of all units of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS - the Unified Health System) that provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the adolescent population in the second largest city in Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study with geographical mapping and data collection through a questionnaire applied in person with coordinators of the units or their representatives in 147 outpatient clinics in Rio de Janeiro that have SSR services. We found that in over 90% of the units, adolescents are treated together with the adult population, without particular shifts or rooms for this age group. In more than 10% of services, treatment is only provided with the presence of the guardian. In cases of sexual violence, this proportion is 34%. Specific educational activities for this age group are only carried out in 12.9% of units and less than one third of doctors had received some kind of training to deal with adolescent health. In conclusion, despite the wide geographic distribution of health facilities, the structure of care and the human resources do not meet the specific needs of adolescents.

Sexual and reproductive health; Adolescent; Health services accessibility