Young people’s perceptions of sexual and reproductive health in regional and rural Queensland: capturing the views of adolescents through reference groups and a user-friendly electronic survey

Background Young people in regional and rural Queensland have difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Young people’s views regarding barriers and enablers for accessing SRH services and markers of quality are largely unknown. Methods: Young people’s perceptions regarding SRH services are explored through a cross-sectional study via eight reference group meetings and an electronic survey in four sites: Atherton Tablelands, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville. The survey, developed in consultation with young people, was administered online and face to face using tablet computers. Data from 391 rural and regional participants was precoded for bivariate comparisons involving χ2 and confidence interval (CI) tests. Results: The most valued markers of quality in SRH services defined by young people all related to staff characteristics. Young people preferred services where staff were friendly (87.3%; 95% CI: 83.8–90.8%), easy to talk to (91.4%; 95% CI: 88.5–94.3%), good listeners (95.4%; 95% CI: 93.2–97.6%) and did not judge them (90.5%; 95% CI: 87.4–93.6%). A model of SRH service delivery encompassed within general health services was highly valued by 58.9% (95% CI 53.7–64.1%). However, 36.2% (95% CI: 31.4–41.0%) preferred to seek care from SRH specialist services. Conclusions: Service provision can be improved by training, and retaining friendly, attentive and non-judgemental staff. A model of service provision that includes general health care and provides sexual health services may increase the acceptability and accessibility of SRH services among youth. Additionally, our study highlights the need for choice between general and specialist SRH services.