Title:
Responding to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs in Liberia
Authors:
Garblah, Joyce Walley
Year:
2014
PAGE:
xv, 63
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Adolescent, Sexuality, Reproductive, Health, Liberia
Abstract:
Adolescents have specific sexual and reproductive health needs that make them vulnerable. Many adolescent faced sexual and reproductive health risks such as early sexual debut, STIs including HIV, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions. These challenges threaten their survival and posed a lifelong risk of ill sexual and reproductive health for them. OBJECTIVES: To explore adolescent sexual behavior, knowledge and attitude about sexuality and factors influencing access to sexual and reproductive health services in Liberia in order to make recommendations for interventions to improve the situation. METHOD: Literature review was used to explore adolescent sexual reproductive health needs and effective interventions that have work in developing countries to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health. There were literature from both Liberia and other countries in the context of Liberia used. Socio-ecological model was used to guide the analysis. RESULTS: Factors that influence adolescent sexual and reproductive health needs were: sexual behavior influenced by lack of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards safe sex, early sex, family, peer and social relationships. Other findings were deeply rooted cultural, gender norms and values that encourage early marriage, gender inequalities, discrimination and violence against girls. Poverty was also found as an underlying social determinant. And lack of access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. CONCLUSSION: Responding to adolescent sexual and reproductive health needs require a multi-faceted approach ranging from comprehensive sexuality education through schools and communities, to reflecting on norms and cultural values that serve as barrier and provision of youth friendly services that are accessible, available and affordable.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Liberia
Region:
Western Africa
Training:
Master in International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Garblah
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
gX2oe8qS5G_20161024152307400.pdf