This presentation will sharefindings from baseline level evaluation research on the community implementation of interventions to address youth sexual and reproductive health. Using community participation methodology to improve youth reproductive and sexual health in rural Burkina Faso, three community-based youth serving organizations are currently implementing activities to improve health seeking behavior and develop positive life skills among adolescents. An external evaluation component was integrated into the project from its inception. Pre-intervention data was collected to measure youth reproductive and sexual health values, health-seeking practices, negotiation and communication skills, and self-efficacy to adopt positive health practices. Quantitative data was collected from young people aged 13-24, selected through a random household sample of households with resident youth. Complementary surveys were administered to community resources, parents and service providers. In total 600 youth and 60 community resource persons were surveyed. Evaluation researchers also documented challenges and opportunities of working in rural areas at the community level, which inform both quantitative results and program implementation. Both quantitative results from pre-intervention baseline survey and contextual observations will be shared in order to reflect critical considerations in addressing the reproductive health needs of rural adolescents at the community level. See www.piwh.org
Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will be able to: 1)Discuss level, scope and programmatic implications of health-seeking behavior, life skills and reproductive and sexual health status of rural youth in Burkina Faso study area. 2)Identify the contextual opportunities and threats of effectively serving youth in rural areas through community-level interventions.
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Community Participation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.