Kids and Condoms: Where Do Youth Seek Reproductive Health Services?

Susan E. Adamchak, Family Health International
Jane Chege, Population Council
Nafissatou Diop, Population Council
Ubaidur Rob, Population Council
Ricardo Vernon, Population Council

Research in Bangladesh, Kenya, Mexico and Senegal is testing the feasibility and effectiveness of community, school, and health center interventions to improve adolescent reproductive health. Fourteen percent of youth 10 to 19 had experienced intercourse, according to baseline surveys. One in four used a contraceptive, typically a condom, to prevent pregnancy or infection at first intercourse. Fewer than 10 percent reported visiting health centers for reproductive health information in the past year. Most go to pharmacies if they needed condoms or contraceptives. One-third to one-half (except in Bangladesh) believed that they would be treated respectfully at a pharmacy. Few knew how to use condoms, and knowledge that condoms could prevent transmission of STIs was limited. Strategies that target youth need to emphasize pharmacies as distributors of contraceptive methods, particularly condoms. Services must consistently and continually provide accurate information and educational materials, and staff encouraged to conform to national YARH protocols.