Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103730

Zhenzhen Zheng¹, Qian Geng, MEd², Lisa M. Mueller, MA², and Gregoria Lyssikatos, MA². (1) Institute of Population and Labor Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), **No street address used**, Beijing, 100732, China, (86-10)63435934, zhengzz@cass.org.cn, (2) PATH, 1800 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006

As Chinese society gradually accepts sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education among youth, most activity has been organized in schools. Even though migrant youth in urban areas are potentially at greater risk for SRH problems and perhaps in greater need of information, they have been considered a difficult group to reach. This study evaluates the impact of a workplace-based life-planning skills training program focusing on young migrants in urban Shenzhen, China. The evaluation included qualitative and quantitative methods. A quasi-experimental design was used for pre- and post-intervention surveys among factory workers to collect quantitative information to measure the effect of education. Focus groups were organized among the program participants to gather more information regarding the effect of life skills training. The evaluation found that young migrants are willing to participate and enjoy the participatory methods used. Workers who participated in the training had gained knowledge about SRH, enhanced their awareness of self-protection, learned how to deal with reproductive health risks, and knew where to seek help if in need of related services. For many indicators of knowledge and attitudes, the intervention group showed significant gains, while the control group generally showed no significant improvement. With regard to skills building, youth who participated showed more confidence and decisiveness to choose actions in given situations. However, a longer follow-up period will be necessary to observe behavior change and therefore better assess the impact of the training.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe quantitative and qualitative study findings from the evaluation of life-planning skills among young urban migrant workers in Shenzhen.
• Assess the impact and level of success of the life-planning skills program in Shenzhen.
• Apply experiences and lessons learned from the implementation and evaluation results in Shenzhen to other projects for either workplace or youth reproductive health.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Youth at Work

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.