Background: Youth under age 24 constitute approximately 60 percent of the Nigerian population and this cohort will determine the country’s direction during much of the 21st century. In addition to supporting quality youth reproductive health projects, CEDPA seeks to expand participation of youth 10-24 in the democratic process and to increase awareness of human rights.
Methodology: The study design is quasi-experimental. A baseline survey was conducted by CEDPA on a random sample of both in- and out-of school youth in eight Enugu State Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Southeastern Region. Youths in the Enugu East LGA received linked RH& D&G interventions; those in Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East, and Nkanu West LGAs only received RH interventions. Youths in Enugu South, Igbo Eze South, and Nsukka LGAs participated only in D&G activities. Youths in the Enugu North LGA served as control.
Partners: This study was conducted in partnership with the Youth Resource Development Education and Leadership Center for Africa (YORDEL AFRICA) and its youth-focused community based organizations (CBOs), such as girls/boys brigades, Red Cross and Girls Guides. Representatives of secondary schools and CBOs served as peer educators and, following intensive training, as investigators in the study.
Results: Programs linking FP/RH with D&G youth activities were found to be more effective in increasing use of FP/RH services and healthy practices than non-linked programs.
Conclusion: The combination of D&G and RH training activities was found to have a significant influence on the lives of the youths in the study and their participation in civil society.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will have learned about research on the impact of combining reproductive health (RH) education and services and democracy and governance (D&G) activities on reproductive health knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of in- and out-of-school youth
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Politics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment