Adolescents represent approximately one third of Bangladesh population. Half of them are married. Although social custom discourages pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relation, existence of such practices is not rare. Parents and teachers are non-supportive of adolescents acquiring sexual education and services. This study tests the feasibility of improving reproductive health behavior of adolescents by providing information and services. A pre-post design with control site is used to carry out the study. In the pre-intervention survey, information on reproductive health and sexual behavior of 2971 adolescents were collected. Survey results revealed that 136 (5%)adolescents had sexual exposure. The mean age at first sexual experience was 15 years. Sixty adolescents reported that they had sex during the last six months. Only one-third of those had used condom at first and last intercourse. Of the sexually active male, 39.4% had with commercial sex workers (CSWs). Of them 56% had never used condom during sex with CSWs. Twelve percent had experienced sign and symptoms of STDs and only seven percent sought treatment. Multivariate analysis was carried out and sexual experience of the adolescents was found to be associated with source of information, parent’s occupation and education. Findings also indicate that lack of correct reproductive health information is the most important factors for risky sexual behavior. A total of 4500 adolescents of aged 13-19 years are under the intervention program. The paper also presents preliminary findings from the intervention components of the study including an account of the lessons learned during the process of implementation.
Learning Objectives: Adolescents in Bangladesh are in great need of reproductive health education and it is possible to develop and implement a reproductive health education program.
Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Behavior
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.