reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

UNIT 1:
NATURE OF ADOLESCENCE
Module 16/Introduction
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescence refers to the period of a young person’s life between the ages of 10 and
19. During this transition to adulthood, adolescents develop biologically and
psychologically and move towards independence. Because adolescents encounter
health risks and often exhibit risk-taking and experimental behavior, counselors and
care providers need to understand the stages of adolescence and to be able to help
adolescents attain a desired state of general and reproductive health. It is also
important for service providers to acknowledge the reproductive rights of adolescents as
a key foundation for service provision.
UNIT TRAINING OBJECTIVE:
To help providers understand the importance of adolescent reproductive health, the
stages of adolescent development, the desired state of general and reproductive health,
and the reproductive rights of adolescents.
SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the rationale for undergoing special training on adolescent reproductive
health.
2. Identify biological and psychosocial changes that occur during adolescence.
3. Discuss desirable health status for adolescents.
4. Identify the reproductive rights of adolescents.
TRAINING/LEARNING METHODOLOGY:
• Trainer presentation
• Group work
• Discussion
• Brainstorming
Pathfinder International
9
Adolescent Curriculum