Youth, sexual and reproductive health, and media and communication trends in post-conflict settings: Lessons from a baseline study in Timor-Leste

The purpose of this study was to collect baseline information and data regarding social and cultural norms, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding Family Planning and HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste. The study was conducted between January/April 2009 as part of the national Behavior Change Communication strategy implemented by the Ministry of Health, intended to increase the use of family planning and birth spacing, and HIV/AIDS prevention. The study included more than 1000 survey respondents and 36 focus groups. This paper reports focus groups results. Three age group divisions (15-24, 25-34,35-49 years) were considered in the study, together with approximately equal numbers of participants of each gender, and equal representation of participants from rural and urban areas. Findings suggest relatively high levels of awareness of factors associated with family planning, birth spacing, and the risks concerning HIV/AIDS transmission in a rapidly changing socio-cultural environment. However, these levels of awareness did not always correspond to significant, actionable knowledge or intention. The study also found profound intergenerational differences in attitudes towards family planning and HIV/AIDS, with youth reporting increased agency and desire to make autonomous decisions regarding dating and sexual relationships, and older generations expressing the importance of traditional cultural practices (i.e.arranged marriage). These changes were associated with the role of community-based communication practices, and access to and use of new communication technologies. Findings present opportunities and challenges for stakeholders crafting campaigns to address these issues, and provide lessons for health communication practitioners working in post-conflict settings where community and new communication/media practices converge.