Oral

This session will explore innovative approaches to reaching youth with sexual and reproductive health services. Social networking sites, such as MySpace, have become increasingly significant forms of communication among youth. The first presentation discusses the results of a study in which clinics used a social networking site to provide information about their family planning services, reproductive health messages, peer provider opportunities and notices of community events. The second presentation compares strategies for identifying persons at high risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy. Youth in Haiti were surveyed in their households, in the clinic or a different venue. The results of the three types of surveys will be examined. The third panelist explores an expanded school and community based adolescent and reproductive health program in Ethiopia. The presentation will highlight key behavior change results. The final panelist describes a community-based program to increase reproductive health knowledge and access to services and improve lifestyle choices among adolescent males living in high-risk neighborhoods.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the importance of using internet social networking sites to increase access to FP. 2. Describe the PLACE methodology used in Haiti and the INSYGHT program targeted for hard-to-reach youth in Ethiopia. 3. Describe current challenges facing the different countries with respect to at risk youth and identify ways to help increase education and health care services to them.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing