Community-based initiatives to improve youth reproductive and sexual health in rural Burkina Faso: Findings from evaluation research

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4222.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #50065

Muadi Mukenge, MA¹, Yacouba Yaro, PhD², Ayisha Diop, MPH, and Lisa Bohmer, MPH⁴. (1) Africa Program, Pacific Institute for Women's Health, 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90010, (213) 386-2600, mmukenge@piwh.org, (2) Plan International, Plan International, Burkina Faso, BP 1184, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, (3) Director, Adolescent Health & Well-Being Program, Pacific Institute for Women's Health, 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Community-based youth serving organizations (YSOs) in Burkina Faso implemented programs in three rural communities to improve the health-seeking behavior of adolescents and to develop positive life skills among this group. This paper will present findings from evaluation research on the implementation of community-driven interventions, using an intensive community participation methodology, to address youth reproductive and sexual health. Intervention strategies included training of peer educators and health personnel. These findings include: changes in youth reproductive health attitudes, health-seeking practices, sexual behavior and negotiation and communication skills; 2) changes in the capacity of YSOs as a direct result of technical assistance provided over the three year project period; 3) the extent to which community ownership was fostered through the community participation methodology. Data was collected pre- and post-intervention from youth ages 13 – 24 using quantitative survey questionnaires, in corresponding surveys administered to community leaders, parents and health service providers, and from targeted qualitative assessments with peer educators who provided contextual data. A total of 600 youth and 60 community resource persons were surveyed. The results provide useful lessons for other programs seeking to address the reproductive health needs of adolescents through community participation.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

1. Describe the health seeking behaviors, life skills, and reproductive and sexual health status of rural youth in the Burkina Faso study area.
2. Apply the lessons learned in conducting a multi-faceted evaluation of a community-based program.
3. Identify and discuss the programmatic implications, opportunities and challenges of serving rural youth and working with community members in a participatory manner.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Building Public Support for Youth Programs in Developing Countries

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA