Style Guide - FHI 360

Section I. Assessing the Environment for the Private Sector
and YRH
Assessing the potential for private-sector involvement in YRH activities requires a basic
understanding of the general situation of the private sector, youth, and reproductive
health. General information and pertinent country data are available through secondary
research sources obtained from technical assistance organizations and bilateral and
multilateral donor agencies. This preliminary research can help identify particular areas
of focus that may warrant further data gathering and analysis.
Section I-1. General Background Information
I-1-A. Demographics and Reproductive Health Status
Why it is important
Basic demographic can indicate current and future potential market size. Knowledge
about the current status of key reproductive health indicators for young people is central
to understanding the main reproductive health issues that youth face.
What and how to assess
Relevant demographic information is available for most countries and provides a helpful
description of the market for YRH providers and services. Important indicators include
population size, composition and growth rates, childbearing, use of contraception, and
mix of contraceptive methods. Indicators of sexual activity and marriage patterns are
particularly important in analyzing the situation of young people. A thorough review of
Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) or other similar country health surveys is
important. Many of these overview documents and country profile information are
available from a range of organizations, including from some easily accessible Web sites
(see Appendix B for details on sources of information).
Key questions
Population Size and Composition
� What is the current population of the country? What are the population breakdowns
by region?
� What are recent and projected trends in population growth?
� What is the age structure of the population, including the percentage of the population
that is youth (ages 10-24)?
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