1. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Reproductive Health of Young Adults PART II DR KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI

2. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Who Provides Information and Services to Youth? To offer a range of services, various providers need to be involved: Teachers Doctors Nurses Peer educators Community workers

3. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Sexuality: Open Discussions Are Important Difficult topic to discuss openly for both youth and adults Includes a wide range of issues, such as peer pressure, sexual identity, sexual orientation, sexual capability, sexual coercion Helps youth understand and express their feelings Promotes responsible sexual behavior, helps prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs

4. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Communication Skills Needed by Providers l Reflective listening l Open-ended questions l Positive body language l Characteristics that help communication:  sincerity, honesty, non-judgment, respect, sense of humor non-judgment, respect, sense of humor Confidentiality is critical in serving youth

5. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Provider Training Needed Technical knowledge Knowledge of issues facing young adults Gender awareness Counseling skills For some: how to train young people in communication skills

6. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI What Reproductive Health Information and Education Do Youth Need? Young adults need information and skills to be able to take responsibility for their sexuality. Risks and consequences of sexual activity Contraceptives and STIs Sex education Fertility issues for men and women Gender issues

7. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Research Shows Sex Education Helps Sex education: Does not lead to earlier or increased sexual activity Can give young people skills to delay sexual activity Can increase contraceptive use It is important to begin sex education early

8. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Elements of Effective Sex Education Programs Content: –Provides basic, accurate information –Focuses on reducing sexual risk-taking –Addresses peer pressures –Strengthens individual and group values against unprotected intercourse Teaching methods/ program design: –Provides modeling and practice of communication and negotiation skills –Trains instructors –Involves students in teaching methods –Lasts at least 14 hours or has intensive small-group work Effective Programs

9. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Sexuality: What Youth Need to Know Includes issues of identity, societal roles, human relationships, biological development Youth need to learn: How their bodies, minds and feelings are changing How to communicate about sexuality How to handle societal and peer pressures How to make responsible decisions about sexual activity, including abstinence

10. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Fertility Awareness Involves education about: The reproductive system Fertility The menstrual cycle How pregnancy occurs Attitudes and cultural norms about fertility, the use of contraception and childbearing

11. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Fertility of Men and Women Males are fertile all the time after beginning sperm production Females are fertile for a period of time during each cycle Menstrual cycle: –begins with menstrual bleeding –ovulation occurs –if egg is not fertilized, cycle begins again in about 2 weeks Fertile time can begin about 6 days before ovulation

12. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Youth-Adult Partnerships Elements of good partnerships: Organizational commitment and capacity Attitude shifts among adults and youth Selection, recruitment and retention of youth Substantive levels of youth participation

13. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Family Involvement Many youth want to talk to family members about sexuality Crucial elements: –availability of family members –attitudes and knowledge –communications skills Programs needed to help parents learn necessary skills and information Family members can support youth in seeking services and information

14. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Health Clinics Designed for Youth Separate units for youth Outreach clinics with specially trained staff Mobile clinics Special hours Convenient and safe locations Youth-to-youth promotion Low or no-cost services

15. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Elements of School-Based Programs Large numbers of youth can be reached efficiently at schools Family life education curricula School-based or linked clinical services Training of instructors and administrators Involvement of families and community

16. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Community-Based Youth Organizations Multi-service organizations: recreation, sports teams, vocational training, tutoring Workplace and religious groups: information and services Peer promoters or educators: information, counseling and condoms Youth centers for pregnant and parenting teens: continuing education and skills training

17. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Mass Media and Other Creative Outreach Mass media: radio, television, film, comic books Telephone hotlines Entertainment: drama groups, puppet shows, concerts Computer technology: Web sites, CD ROMS, distance learning Social marketing

18. DR. KANURPIYA CHATURVEDI Summary Lessons learned: Sex education is valuable for young adults Education needs to focus on skills and attitudes as well as information Programs need to involve youth in the design Forming effective youth-adult partnerships influences attitude changes