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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3156.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 1

Abstract #109721

Institutionalizing life-planning skills training in schools in Harbin, China

Jianzhong Chen1, Zhenzhen Zheng2, Lisa M. Mueller, MA1, and Gregoria Lyssikatos, MA1. (1) PATH, Suite 718 Hua Bin Building, No. 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai, Beijing, 100022, China, (2) 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

Adolescents sexual and reproductive health issue, previously a taboo subject, in recent years has become a growing public and academic concern in China. In response, some schools have, in recent years, tried to incorporate SRH education into their curricula. In Harbin, participatory SRH education and life-planning skills training has become a regular and required course in middle schools due to the joint efforts of the city Education Bureau and Family Planning Association (FPA). This presentation will share how LPS was successfully institutionalized into Harbin schools.

A quasi-experimental study found that the course was widely welcomed by students, and the impact of the course was evident. Significant changes in knowledge and attitudes were seen between intervention and control school students at post-survey time, with many gains remaining evident in a later follow-up survey. Behavior change was less clear with the short pilot intervention.

Results from interviews with Education Bureau leaders and program managers will be shared as well as findings from field visits to several middle schools. These interviews and visits helped project documenters gain insight into how the courses were integrated in the schools and what support was in place for the work. The important roles played by Education Bureau leaders, FPA staff, teachers, and others will be described.

Lessons learned and challenges faced will also be shared

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

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.

Reproductive Health for Young People: U.S. and International Viewpoints

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA