Meeting the contraceptive needs of unmarried young people: attitudes of formal and informal sector providers in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR.

In Lao PDR, evidence is emerging of considerable sexual activity among unmarried youth, but contraceptive services remain inadequate to meet their needs. This study explored the attitudes of formal and informal sector providers in serving the contraceptive needs of unmarried youth in Vientiane Municipality, their perceptions of quality of care, confidentiality and privacy, level of comfort in discussing sexual matters, and any differences between providers in the two sectors. In-depth interviews were carried out with 56 key informants, followed by a quantitative survey of 150 formal sector and 100 informal sector providers. We found ambivalence and discomfort among providers in communicating with unmarried youth and providing contraceptives to them, and low priority placed on their right to privacy and confidentiality. Providers tended to attribute difficulties almost entirely to young people's inhibitions and unwillingness to listen. Less than 60% of formal sector providers would supply contraceptives to unmarried youth, compared to 80% of informal providers, but the latter were more likely to charge a fee for supplies. Both formal and informal sector providers need training in communication and counselling skills for serving unmarried youth. Programmes must ensure that unmarried youth have access to good quality contraceptive services and supplies.