Experiences of adolescents using sexual health services on Reunion Island: protocol for a qualitative phenomenological study

Introduction Adolescence and early adulthood are often critical periods of sexual development. The discovery of sexual intercourse can lead to sexual risk-taking which may impact the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Despite available sexual health services on Reunion Island, sexual health indicators for adolescents are very poor showing a high number of teenage pregnancies and abortions, low use of contraception and an upsurge of STIs. In contrast, this French region is equipped with many services and resources that enable young adults to make informed sexual health choices. This study protocol describes the methodology to describe adolescent experiences of using sexual health services on Reunion Island. Methods and analysis A monocentric descriptive qualitative study using a phenomenological approach will be conducted from December 2022 to August 2023 and will be based on face-to-face semistructured interviews with participants aged 15-19 years and residing on Reunion Island. Recruitment will be distributed at various educational institutions and sexual health centres and will be facilitated by the 'snowball' and 'word-of-mouth' effect. Data analysis will be independently carried out by three investigators to increase reliability. An interpretative phenomenological analysis will be performed. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Center University De Bordeaux (CER-BDX-2022-55). Data generated do not fall within the field of biological or medical knowledge nor into the category of Research Involving the Human Person as defined in Articles L. 1121-1 and R. 1121-1 of the Public Health Code in France. All participants will receive information about the study in verbal and written forms and will give their oral consent before enrolment. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal as well as presented and disseminated at the Regional Health Agency of Reunion Island, conferences and in meetings with school directors.