reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Module 16/Unit 8
CONTENT
Knowledge/Attitudes/Skills
• Adolescents lack basic information
concerning the symptoms,
transmission, and treatment of STIs.
• Adolescents often have multiple,
short-term sexual relationships and
do not consistently use condoms.
• Youth are subject to dangerous
practices such as FGM, anal
intercourse to preserve virginity, and
scarification.
• Young men sometimes have a need
to prove sexual prowess.
• In some cultures, girls are not
empowered to say no.
• Young men may have their first
sexual experiences with sex workers.
• Young women may have their first
sexual experiences with older men.
• Youth lack accurate knowledge about
the body, sexuality, and sexual
health.
• There is a lack of political will to
educate youth: no health/sexuality
education, poor communication
between youth and elders, and lack
of materials directed at youth.
• Youth lack control and are subject to
early marriage, forced sex, girl
trafficking, and poverty.
• Youth often have little access to
income and may engage in sex work
for money or favors.
• Youth may be more prone to infection
because of anemia/malnutrition.
Training/Learning Methods
(Time Required)
DISCUSSION AND GROUP WORK
(45 MIN.)
The trainer should:
• Ask Px to form 4 small groups.
• Ask each group to discuss for 20
minutes and report back on the
following:
Is there data available on STI
prevalence in your working area,
clinic, or ward If so, what kind of
STIs do you see in your clinic
What are the common STIs you
see among youth coming to your
clinic
What educational materials
directed at youth are available in
your community What kind of
services do you render to youth
in your working area
Are there laws, policies,
regulations, or community norms
that prevent you from serving
youth
How often do adolescents come
for protection against both
STIs/HIV and pregnancy (dual
protection)
Are there myths or rumors about
STIs/HIV that interfere with care
and treatment If yes, describe
some of them.
• Reconvene the large group.
• Allow 20 minutes for presentations on
the small group discussions.
Pathfinder International
105
Adolescent Curriculum