Pengalaman Anak di Panti Asuhan dalam Memahami dan Menghadapi Permasalahan Kesehatan Reproduksi (Studi Kualitatif di Panti Asuhan Mutiaramulia Medan)

Abstract

Children living in orphanages often face unique challenges in accessing the right knowledge and resources to u nderstand and manage their reproductive health . This can lead to uncertainty, confusion, and even the spread of misinformation among the children in these orphanages. This research aims to understand the experiences of children at Mutiara Mulia Orphanage in Medan in dealing with reproductive health is sues. The study focuses on how children in the orphanage comprehend and manage issues related to reproductive health, which is a sensitive yet crucial topic. The research employs a qualitative approach, using i n depth interviews and participatory observati on as the primary data collection techniques. The data analysis method used in this study is the Interactive Model Data Analysis offered by Miles and Hubberman (1994). The results indicate that the reproductive health education received by children in the orphanage is very limited and often does not cover essential aspects. The children’s knowledge and attitudes towards reproductive health are influenced by feelings of shame and social taboos, which hinder acces s to more comprehensive information. Communica tion between the children and their caregivers on this issue is also not open, largely due to the caregivers' limited knowledge. Additionally, the children’s access to reproductive health resources and information is minimal, and they tend to rely on infor mation from peers or media that may not always be reliable. These findings highlight the need for more holistic support, including better education on reproductive health, for children in orphanages.