UN Analysis Final.pdf - United Nations in Cambodia

of modern methods (CDHS 2005). Those aged 20-24 had even better knowledge, at 99.2 per cent and 99
per cent, respectively. In practice, however, the use of contraception among married women remains low,
with 20.8 per cent of the 15-19 age group reporting the current use of any method, and 13.7 per cent
reporting the use of a modern method. The proportions are higher among the 20-24 age group, with
34.6 per cent reporting using any method and 23.3 per cent reporting using a modern method. The most
popular method of contraception by young married women is the pill, followed by withdrawal and
injectables (Table 6-1). Information does not appear to exist on unmarried people’s knowledge and use
of contraceptives.
Table 6-1. Contraceptive method use by currently married women aged 15-24, 2005 (%)
Contraceptive method 15-19 20-24
All married women 100.0 100.0
Contraception 20.8 34.6
Daily pill 7.0 10.7
Monthly pill 0.6 1.6
IUD 1.7 1.0
Injectables 1.6 6.3
Male condom 2.8 3.0
Rhythm 1.2 3.3
Withdrawal 5.9 7.9
Other 0.1 0.6
Not currently using 79.2 65.4
Source: CDHS 2005
KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
According to FGD participants, both young males and females have a good understanding of sexual and
reproductive health and related infections. Youth interviewees stated that they learned from sexual education
and awareness campaigns provided by NGOs in their villages, and in school. They mentioned training
provided by the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC) on sexual and reproductive health
and HIV and AIDS. Some also cited other sources of information such as television, village and community
library information boards, the latter being supported by the NGO, Open Forum of Cambodia. FGD
participants also cited peer educators in their villages as another information source.
Besides learning from school, I received training on sexual and reproductive health from a local NGO, called
RHAC, through its staff, who often come to my village. The training conducted in the village gathers all the
youth and sometimes both parents to participate in the training also. I have also learnt through the
community library in the village and from the TV in my house... – FGD, 15-19 year old female, Sangker
village, Svay Rieng
Although there has been improvement in terms of increased awareness of sexual and reproductive health
among young people, the depth of penetration across the country is not clear. Key informants suggest that
where there are no NGO or governmental programmes, awareness is much more limited. They also observed
Situation Analysis of Youth in Cambodia
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