A reproductive health needs assessment in Myanmar

A Reproductive Health Needs Assessment in Myanmar
There is an urgent need to develop and evaluate models for peer intervention
regarding STD/HIV education, condom promotion and unintended pregnancy,
especially in areas of high HIV prevalence.
Reducing individual exposure to reproductive health problems
In a number of townships visited, out-of-school and out-of-work adolescents were at a
particularly high risk of reproductive health problems. For example. in Tachileik, it was
reported that young men and women are travelling to Thailand because of the greater job
opportunities, and, once there, are becoming exposed to the risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS.
There is some indication that many of these individuals did not know about the risks they
may be exposed to, and did not have the necessary tools to protect themselves.
There needs to be an expanded range of opportunities for adolescents (for further
education, jobs, etc.) to reduce economic migration to other areas where they face
additional reproductive health risks. For those young people who do migrate, there is
a need to provide education regarding the reproductive health risks they may
encounter. This education should include information regarding STDs, HIV, and
unintended pregnancy.
Provision of services to adolescents
Whilst many service providers reported the need for adolescents to receive appropriate
information and services regarding reproductive health, there was some indication that the
information and services currently provided are delivered in a somewhat judgmental manner.
Pre-marital sex is often considered to be a “bad-behaviour” which influences the counselling
given to a youth that is consulting with reproductive health problems. Adolescents also
report that they do not feel comfortable discussing these issues with health care staff,
indicating that staff attitudes are also affecting help-seeking behaviour.
Health providers need to be trained to provide reproductive health information and
services in a non-judgmental and youth-friendly manner.
The desire to delay the first birth after marriage was often expressed to the assessment team.
However, many women reported that they did not begin contraceptive use until after the
marriage itself, thus exposing themselves to the risk of unwanted pregnancy,
Health providers should be prepared to provide appropriate pre-marital counselling
for youth that might want to delay their first birth after marriage.
Research needs
The information currently available regarding adolescent reproductive health is limited. and a
number of areas for further study are indicated. Clarity is lacking regarding both the sexual
behaviour of adolescents and their specific health needs.
Further research should be conducted to more accurately define the health and sexual
behaviour of adolescents.
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