Teenagers seeking condoms at family planning services. Part II. A provider's perspective.

This study assessed the ability and preparedness of staff at family planning clinics in Durban to assist in AIDS prevention by promoting condom use among teenagers. Staff at 12 randomly selected clinics were interviewed to assess their attitudes towards teenagers seeking condoms, the information imparted on AIDS and condom use, constraints faced in delivering services, and their perceived role in controlling the spread of AIDS. Despite their awareness of AIDS, those interviewed perceived their role to be that of promoting contraception. Condoms were perceived as a poor choice of contraceptive and their use was discouraged. The pamphlets dispensed along with condoms were thought to provide adequate information about condom use. Information on AIDS was given only if the clinic attender initiated discussion on the subject. Most of the clinic staff were keen to discuss other issues during their consultations, but felt constrained by the large numbers of people they had to attend to and the lack of adequate facilities. If family planning services are to play a role in controlling the spread of AIDS, the first step must be to make this function part of the overall policy. For there to be effective counselling on AIDS prevention, in-service training of current staff is required, as well as more staff and improvements in facilities to ensure greater privacy.