Sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents' and programmes response towards these needs in Tanzania
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Adolescence in Tanzania like in many other Sub-Saharan Countries face a number of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) problems. Different initiatives respond to the SRH needs of adolescents. There is a need to relate the programme approaches and the SRH needs of adolescents. METHOD: Literature from Tanzania, Sub-Saharan and other developing countries was reviewed. RESULTS: Adolescents in Tanzania practice unprotected sex through premarital sex and early marriage. Factors influencing adolescents unsafe sex practices include poverty, globalization, increased age at marriage coupled with decreased age at menarche, sexual abuse, coercion and socio-cultural practices. Consequently, adolescents SRH problems include STIs, HIV, and unwanted pregnancies. Adolescents in Tanzania lack accurate SRH information and life skills to make informed choices. National policies and strategies are conducive and allow adolescents’ access to SRH information and services. However these policies are not fully implemented due to inadequate mechanisms for policy dissemination. Initiatives such as African Youth Alliance (AYA), MEMA kwa Vijana (MkV) and ISHI campaign have responded to ASRH needs, but their impact has been mainly on improved SRH knowledge and attitudes, with no impact on behaviour change. These programmes have minimal community and parental involvement in their design and implementation. ASRH programmes also lack collaboration with other programmes which address gender, social and economic issues of adolescents. CONCLUSION: Adolescents SRH needs are multifaceted and can be addressed in a holistic way using a multi sectoral approach. Community involvement is very crucial to allow smooth implementation of the ASRH activities. RECOMMENDATION: Programmes addressing SRH needs should use existing structures and activities such as schools, health units and recreational facilities to reach a big number of adolescents. Life skills building activities should be strengthened and promoted to achieve behaviour change.
Authors:
Mabuga, L.M.
Country:
Tanzania, United Republic of
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
reproductive health
,
youth
,
health services
,
disease prevention and control
,
policy
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
xi, 68
Year:
2008
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2008 Mabuga
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents' and programmes response towards these needs in Tanzania
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)