The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70749

Pamela I. Erickson, DrPH, PhD¹, Louise Badiane, RN, MA¹, Pilar Ramos-Jimenez, PhD², and Ratha Loganathan, MPH³. (1) Anthropology Dept., University of Connecticut, U-2176, Storrs, CT 06269-2176, 860-486-1736, pamela.erickson@uconn.edu, (2) Behavioral Sciences Department, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines, 2401 Taft Ave. 1004, Manila, Philippines, (3) EngenderHealth, 440 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001

We report results of qualitative and quantitative research exploring Filipino youths' ideas about gender and sexuality and how these social constructions affect young people's communication patterns regarding sexual and reproductive behavior. The study took place in Tagbilaran, Bohol in the Visayas island group, Philippines in summer 2002. 96 male and female, in and out of school youth age 14 to 25 participated in three-day, live-in workshops. Informed consent was obtained from participants and their parents or guardians. Methods included self-administered survey, group discussions, free listing and ranking exercises, collage, and role-play. Results suggest that Filipino youth hold traditional attitudes toward gender roles, albeit more liberal than those of their parents, and that there are differences in how youth perceive gender roles and norms of the opposite gender. Sexuality is mainly viewed as actual sexual behavior and sexual orientation. Traditional gender constructions and social norms inhibit discussion of sexual and reproductive health issues especially with parents and teachers, but also between young people in romantic relationships. Youth in same sex groups, however, discuss these issues rather freely among themselves. Youth desire more information and more open communication about sex and relationships, but not necessarily more liberal behavior patterns. We conclude that same sex group discussions, peer educator programs, and non-judgmental, youth-friendly adolescent reproductive health providers would be appropriate venues for sex education among Filipino youth given the conservative social and political climate surrounding issues related to sex and contraception especially among unmarried youth.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session participants will be able to:
• describe how Filipino youth think of gender and sexuality;
• list 3 ways that gender norms affect communication about ARH;
• list 3 interventions to improve knowledge about ARH among Filipino youth.

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.