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Abstract

Understanding the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in developing countries: A review of the evidence on risk-taking behaviors and dual protection from a WHO research initiative 
Presentation at Population Association of America Annual Meeting, Detroit, 1 May
Warriner,Ina; Jejeebhoy,Shireen J.; Shah,Iqbal
Publication date: 2009

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The transition to adulthood poses significant sexual and reproductive health challenges for adolescents. To address research gaps in knowledge about the sexual and reproductive health of young people in developing countries, the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) at WHO launched a social science research initiative targeting under-researched priority areas. The initiative ultimately comprised over 40 studies conducted in a wide variety of developing-country settings. In this review paper, we synthesize the evidence across countries in two key areas of adolescent sexual and reproductive health: the factors that inhibit or enhance risky behaviors and adolescent perspectives on and practice of dual protection. Drawing on the evidence from the studies, the paper provides recommendations for improving the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents.

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