Download pdf, 989kb - WHO Western Pacific Region - World Health ...

A Review of Literature and Projects 2005
Executive Summary
From June to September 2003, Malaysia
participated in a case study on adolescent
sexual and reproductive health, in the
form of a review of literature, studies
and projects, initiated by the WHO
Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
A total of 260 documents were reviewed,
covering a wide range of concerns in the
area of adolescent sexual and
reproductive health. There is limited
literature available on this important
subject, which is hardly surprising given
its cultural and religious sensitivity. It was
particularly difficult to find accurate
information about sensitive and
controversial subjects such as premarital
sex, contraceptive use by the unmarried,
homosexuality and abortion.
Of the 260 documents reviewed, 178
were published and 82 were unpublished.
They covered a range of subjects, which
can be grouped into four categories:
demography (25); status of adolescent
and reproductive health (157);
interventions (59); and policies and
legislation (30). Most of the documents
covered more than one area, with
considerable overlap.
Demography
The demographic profile of Malaysia is
that of a country in transition from
developing to developed status, with
adolescents (aged 10-19) making up
about one-fifth of the total population.
Children (aged 10-19) make up 40%. In
Malaysia today, young people of both
sexes enter marriage later than in
previous years, suggesting a delay in
sexual activity. In 1984, the average age
at first marriage was 26.9 years for men
and 24.5 years for women; in 1994 the
average age became 28 years for men and
24.9 years for women.
Adolescent sexual and
reproductive health status
The review covered six aspects of
adolescent health:
• adolescents’ level and sources of
knowledge on sexual and
reproductive health;
• sexual development;
• sexual behaviour, including
dating behaviour;
9