The continued spread of HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso demands a response. This paper presents research findings from both a quantitative survey and focus groups held with adolescents (13-19 years old) and parents (adult men and women with children) from both the urban capital city of Ouagadougou and the more rural town of Tenkodogo. The research was conducted by a dynamic youth organization based at the University of Ouagadougou with technical assistance. 478 adolescents (243 males, 235 females) and 237 parents were surveyed; 14 focus groups were conducted. Samples for the surveys involved random selection of households within each study site. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS and focus group data was manually analyzed with thematic content analysis. Findings covered a range of reproductive health issues. The reported average age of first intercourse is lower in the more rural setting of Tenkodogo at 16.3 years than in urban Ouagadougou at 17.1 years. Knowledge of modern contraception was also lower in the rural area (35%) than in the capital (70%). Regarding actual contraceptive use, only 9% of sexually active adolescents in Tenkodogo reported method use while 40% of sexually active youth reported use in the city of Ouagadougou, with condoms being the most commonly used method. Self-medication and the use of traditional healers were primarily cited by youth for STD management, while cultural and access barriers limit use of modern health facilities. The paper will present findings, as well as recommendations for intervention strategies involving youth, parents and other community members.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Identify and discuss youth reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors relevant to improved appropriate program planning. 2) Assess lessons learned from a collaborative project between a service-providing youth association and an academic research institute 3) Identify steps involved in working with research communities to discuss implications of research findings for interventions
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.