A recent study by the Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana (YHFG), under the Shifting Gender Norms for Improved Maternal and Adolescent Health (SIMAH) project, has uncovered deep-rooted social and cultural barriers preventing adolescents—especially girls—from accessing essential healthcare in the Upper East and North East Regions.
Conducted across 15 communities in the Bawku West, Talensi, and West Mamprusi Districts, the research found that entrenched gender norms and stigma around sexual and reproductive health discourage adolescents from seeking care—even when services are available. These societal pressures instill fear and shame, particularly among girls, deterring many from visiting health facilities altogether.
Toxic Masculinity and Stigma Undermine Health-Seeking Behavior
Gabriel Ananya, Project Officer at YHFG, said harmful socialization around masculinity plays a significant role.
“One of the key issues we encountered was what I call toxic masculinities, where many young males have been raised to believe that visiting a health facility is a sign of weakness,” he explained. “A young man told us he wouldn’t go to the hospital unless his condition was critical because his peers would mock him for being ‘unmanly.’”
Ananya added that widespread misconceptions—such as the belief that adolescents visit health centers only for abortions or family planning—worsen the problem. “These are dangerous perceptions. Healthcare is for everyone, and young people should not feel ashamed to seek help,” he said.
Surprising Insight: Boys Report High Levels of Gender-Based Violence
The study also revealed a surprising trend: boys, rather than girls, were more likely to seek counseling for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the three districts.
“Global data often shows women as the primary victims of gender-based violence, but here we found that boys are also experiencing high levels of SGBV—likely driven by harmful gender norms,” Ananya noted. “This finding highlights the need to include boys in gender-based violence interventions.”
Healthcare Workers’ Attitudes Deter Adolescents
Negative attitudes from healthcare workers were identified as another key barrier. Judgmental behavior, lack of privacy, and dismissive treatment discourage adolescents from returning to health facilities.
Infrastructural limitations—such as poorly equipped adolescent health corners and frequent stockouts of essential medicines—also undermine service quality.
SIMAH Project Calls for Gender-Transformative, Youth-Friendly Health Services
To address these challenges, the SIMAH project recommends a gender-transformative approach to dismantle harmful norms and empower adolescents to seek care with confidence. Key recommendations include: Training health workers to provide youth-friendly and non-judgmental services, establishing dedicated adolescent health corners, with designated hours for youth, educating adolescents about their sexual and reproductive health rights, engaging community stakeholders, including chiefs, parents, and assembly members, to create a supportive environment.
“We recommend that the Ghana Health Service integrate gender-transformative and youth-friendly training into its curricula,” Ananya urged. “Health workers must be prepared to meet the evolving needs of today’s youth.”
Regional Health Officer Commends Project Impact
The Upper East Regional Adolescent Health Officer, Dora Kulariba, commended the SIMAH project for its impact and encouraged sustainability beyond its end.
“This project built the capacity of health workers, community leaders, adolescents, and parents. It empowered young people to educate their peers and established referral pathways for better care,” she said. “We will continue engaging adolescents through clubs, schools, and outreach efforts.”
Project Timeline and What’s Next
Launched in 2022, the SIMAH project concludes in May 2025. A baseline study informed targeted interventions, and recently collected end-line data was presented to stakeholders in Bawku West, Talensi, and West Mamprusi. The final evaluation, led by YHFG, highlighted the project’s achievements and proposed strategies to sustain adolescent-friendly healthcare delivery.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Samuel Adagom | Bolgatanga
