title: Attitudes of gatekeepers towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Ghana.
abstract: Adults constitute gatekeepers on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). This qualitative paper discusses the views of adults on ASRH problems and challenges based on 60 in-depth interviews conducted among adults in Ghana in 2005. Adults were purposively selected based on their roles as parents, teachers, health care providers and community leaders. The major ASRH problems mentioned were teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. The results indicated a number of challenges confronting ASRH promotion including resistance from parents, attitudes of adolescents, communication gap between adults and adolescents and attitudes of health care providers. Among health workers three broad categories were identified: those who were helpful, judgmental and dictators. Some adults supported services for young people while others did not. Some served as mediators and assisted to 'solve' ASRH problems, which occurred in their communities. It is argued that exploring the views of adults about their fears and concerns will contribute to the development of strategies and programmes which will help to improve ASRH.
authors.forename: Akwasi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumi-Kyereme
authors.forename: Kofi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Awusabo-Asare
authors.forename: Eugene Kofuor Maafo
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Darteh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000502:physiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior