Adolescent access to health services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts: The case of the Gaza Strip

Abstract Background Enjoyment of physical and mental health is not only recognized as a human right but also an integral part development, reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 3 – to ensure healthy lives promote well-being for all at ages. The rapid psychosocial changes that take place during adolescence have strong influence on the rest person’s life course, so investments adolescent services constitute unique opportunity reap inter-generational dividends. Yet evidence base adolescents’ access services, particularly conflict-affected contexts, remains thin. This article explores Gaza Strip, their experiences perceptions those services. Methods draws mixed methods research Strip conducted 2016 2017 Gender Adolescence: Global Evidence programme. Data were collected from 240 male female adolescents combining in-depth interviews, focus group discussions tablet-based survey. study participatory action pilot project engaging 12 boys 23 girls aged 15–19 years old. Results findings underscore gender norms—especially pertaining girls’ sexual purity––shape multiple ways. Girls face increasing restrictions mobility, leaving them with limited opportunities leisure or exercise, socializing peers seeking information. Adolescent do same restrictions, given political, economic familial stressors, they are high risk substance abuse including smoking involvement peer violence. Moreover, our suggest range socioeconomic, cultural structural barriers prevent accessing quality appropriate care. Study participants cited main challenges being absence preventive initiatives information reproductive health, well drug shortages, treatment costs, inappropriate interactions service providers. Conclusions highlights importance designing implementing conflict-sensitive age- gender-appropriate promoting targeted adolescents.