News article
“A place for girls” – why are boys missing from youth clinics?
Sweden has one of the world’s most extensive networks of youth clinics. Yet one group is noticeably absent: boys. Researchers are now shedding light on the gap between these clinics and young men, and what it will take to encourage more of them to seek care.
A new national survey of 110 youth clinics shows that only 9.5 percent of visits related to sexual and reproductive health are made by boys. At the same time, as many as 87 percent of the clinics report dissatisfaction with that figure.
– This is not just about gender equality. It’s a public health issue, says Mazen Baroudi, pediatrician, PhD in public health, and associate professor of global health at Umeå University, as well as the project leader of the Forte-funded study.
The unique role of youth clinics
When boys seek care early, the risk of untreated sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and mental health issues decreases. Limited access to sexual and reproductive health services is linked to lower use of contraception and less involvement in reproductive decision-making.
Youth clinics play a unique role here.
– It’s one of the few places where boys can talk about relationships, sexuality, their bodies, and responsibility—topics that often lack natural forums elsewhere, says Mazen.
International studies also show that when young men are included in these services, both their own health and gender equality in their relationships improve.
“A place for girls”
Studies show that interventions without a clear focus on boys are often perceived as targeting girls and are therefore used less by boys. This means that gender-neutral solutions can, in practice, reinforce inequalities.
– Youth clinics have historically been designed based on girls’ needs. This affects both how boys perceive them and how care is organized, says Mazen.
Many boys still view the clinics as “a place for girls.” This perception is reinforced by the fact that staff often consist mainly of midwives, and that knowledge of boys’ sexual and reproductive health is sometimes limited. At the same time, norms around masculinity play a role.
– Seeking help can feel embarrassing or unnecessary. For some, it’s simply not something you do.
Awareness of what youth clinics offer is also low. Many boys are unaware that clinics provide more than STI testing – for example, counseling, relationship advice, and support with bodily concerns.
Youth clinics have historically been designed based on girls’ needs. This affects both how boys perceive them and how care is organized.
Mazen Baroudi
PhD in public health, and associate professor of global health at Umeå University
Many initiatives, little follow-up
Across Sweden, various efforts are underway to reach more boys: dedicated opening hours, more gender-neutral waiting rooms, male staff, training initiatives, social media outreach, chat functions, and school visits.
But these efforts are often short-term.
– There is a lack of clear national guidelines. The work easily becomes fragmented and dependent on individual enthusiasts, says Mazen.
At the same time, international research shows that isolated measures are rarely enough. It is only when multiple strategies are combined that a clear impact can be seen.
What actually works
In the project, Mazen and his colleagues reviewed more than 9,000 scientific articles and identified 32 studies on what works globally. They also collected survey data from Swedish clinics and conducted interviews with both staff and young people.
In two regions, they conducted in-depth studies, including interviews with boys, staff, and managers, as well as observations at clinics.
– We want to understand why so few boys are reached, despite the willingness to engage them, says Mazen.
He highlights several particularly important areas: trained staff, inclusive environments, digital entry points, school-based work, and collaboration with settings where boys are already present, such as sports clubs and youth centers.
Towards more gender-responsive care
The project is now entering its next phase. Together with both boys and clinic staff, researchers will prioritize which strategies to develop further.
– It’s not enough to develop solutions for boys. They must be developed together with them, says Mazen.
At a broader level, the findings point to three clear needs: national guidelines, long-term funding, and better follow-up.
– The solutions already exist. The challenge is to make them a natural part of everyday practice, not temporary projects. We also need more gender-responsive care—that is, care that actively takes into account how gender and norms shape needs and conditions, and adapts services accordingly. Only then can youth clinics truly be for everyone.
How do we get boys to youth clinics?
Based on both Swedish and international evidence, five areas stand out as particularly promising:
- Trained staff in male sexual and reproductive health (gender-sensitive approaches and gender-responsive care).
- Inclusive environments — from posters to waiting rooms, with clear information that boys are welcome.
- Digital entry points such as chat services, online booking, digital clinics for boys, and social media.
- School-based initiatives, especially in upper secondary programs dominated by boys.
- Collaboration with settings where boys are already present, such as sports clubs and youth centers.
More about the research
Read more about the research on Umeå University Website External link.
Youth clinics in Sweden
Youth clinics in Sweden have been working with young people’s health since the 1970s. Today, their overarching goal is to promote both physical and mental health among young people, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Their work is based on a holistic approach, encompassing medical, psychological, and psychosocial perspectives. Every individual has the right to knowledge, information, support, and treatment. The target group is adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 25.
There is no legal requirement for municipalities and regions to provide youth clinic services, but most do. The majority are run by the regions themselves. Youth clinics operate within existing legislation, such as the Health and Medical Services Act and the Social Services Act.
Source: Föreningen för Sveriges ungdomsmottagningar (Swedish Association for Youth Clinics)
Michelle Bornestad (English translation by Forte)
