Adolescent Reproductive Health - MCH Flashcards
What is the age range for adolescents according to WHO?
Adolescents are defined as individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
What are the three developmental characteristics of adolescence?
Biological development, psychological development, and increasing economic independence.
What biological changes occur during adolescence?
Physical changes from puberty to full sexual and reproductive maturity.
What psychological changes occur during adolescence?
Emotional changes due to hormones, increased sex drive, development of abstract thinking.
What social changes occur during adolescence?
Increased independence, questioning of adult authority, and integration into social roles.
What are some common social and emotional changes during puberty?
Development of sexual feelings, curiosity, mood swings, and body image concerns.
Define adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
The physical and emotional well-being of adolescents, including freedom from unwanted pregnancy, STIs, and sexual violence.
Why are adolescents considered important in public health?
Adolescents make up a large portion of the population and their health decisions affect future generations.
What are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in adolescents?
Motor vehicle accidents, violence, suicide, STIs, pregnancy, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
What is the leading cause of death among adolescents globally?
Self-harm (suicide).
What are the major risk factors for adolescent morbidity and mortality?
Behaviour-related issues such as reckless driving, violence, substance abuse, and unprotected sex.
What percentage of the global disease burden has its roots in adolescence?
About 35% of the global burden of disease.
Why are adolescents vulnerable to reproductive health risks?
They experience rapid biological and social changes, engage in risky behaviours, and face inadequate protective mechanisms.
What are some common reproductive health issues among adolescents?
Early pregnancy, STIs, sexual abuse, and lack of access to contraception.
What percentage of births worldwide are to women aged 15-19?
About 11%.
What are the adolescent reproductive health challenges in developing countries?
High rates of coerced sex, unplanned pregnancies, and poor knowledge about reproductive health.
What is the median age of sexual initiation for Nigerian adolescents?
17.2 years for women and 21.7 years for men in Nigeria.
What are the leading adolescent reproductive health issues according to WHO?
Early pregnancy and childbirth, STIs, and sexual violence.
Why is adolescent pregnancy a public health concern?
It is linked to high maternal and infant mortality, school dropout, and economic hardship.
What are the key statistics of teenage childbearing in Nigeria?
19% of teenage girls (15-19) in Nigeria have begun childbearing.
What are the causes of adolescent pregnancy?
Poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, and child marriage.
What are the consequences of adolescent pregnancy?
School dropout, stigma, violence, health complications, and economic hardship.
What are the major causes of child marriage?
Poverty, cultural traditions, and gender inequality.
Which countries have the highest rates of child marriage?
Niger, Chad, Bangladesh, Central African Republic, and Nigeria.
What are the consequences of child marriage?
Higher maternal mortality, increased risk of violence, and reduced educational opportunities.
How can child marriage be prevented?
Providing education, enforcing child marriage laws, and empowering girls.
Define sexual violence.
Any forced or coerced sexual act against someone’s will.
What percentage of girls worldwide experience sexual abuse as children?
About 20%.
What factors increase the risk of sexual abuse among adolescent girls?
Gender inequality, lack of legal protection, and cultural acceptance of violence.
What percentage of Nigerian girls in the Iwaya study experienced forced sex?
0.18
What percentage of Nigerian girls in the Mushin study reported forced initiation of sex?
15.8% forced initiation, 36.3% coerced first intercourse.
What are the reproductive health consequences of sexual violence?
Unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and reproductive trauma.
What are the mental health consequences of sexual violence?
Depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide risk.
What percentage of new HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa occur in young women?
1 in 4 new infections.
What are the factors that influence adolescent sexual behaviour?
Poverty, lack of education, peer pressure, and media influence.
How does poverty contribute to risky adolescent sexual behaviour?
Increases dependence on transactional sex for survival.
What role does media play in adolescent sexual behaviour?
Media influences sexual norms and risky behaviours.
What protective factors can influence adolescent sexual behaviour?
Family support, education, religious beliefs, and access to healthcare.
What are the reproductive health rights of adolescents?
Rights to education, autonomy, privacy, and non-discrimination in reproductive health.
What are some interventions to promote adolescent reproductive health?
Contraception access, sexuality education, youth-friendly health services.
What are the characteristics of youth-friendly health services?
Confidential, non-judgmental, and accessible health services.
What are the barriers to adolescent access to contraception?
Stigma, lack of youth-friendly facilities, and restrictive policies.
What strategies can improve adolescent contraceptive use?
Education, parental support, and community acceptance.
How can STI prevention be improved among adolescents?
Early diagnosis and treatment, condom promotion, and HPV vaccination.
What are the key themes in the Nigerian sexuality education curriculum?
Human development, sexual health, relationships, and social norms.
What are the goals of comprehensive sexuality education?
Providing knowledge, improving decision-making skills, and promoting responsibility.
What role do youth-friendly health centres play in reproductive health?
Provide judgment-free reproductive health services for youth.
Why is medical care for adolescents important?
To prevent diseases, detect health issues early, and provide support.
What special attention is required for pregnant adolescents?
Special nutritional and psychological care.
How does family and community support influence adolescent reproductive health?
Community support improves access to healthcare and reduces stigma.
What national policies exist for adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s National Adolescent Health Policy, National Strategic Framework.
What are the key global responses to adolescent reproductive health issues?
WHO, UNFPA, USAID, and local health agencies.
What is the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescent Health?
A global strategy to reduce preventable deaths and improve adolescent health.
What are WHO’s 10 key actions for adolescent health?
Advocacy, data collection, policy inclusion, and universal healthcare for adolescents.
Why is adolescent advocacy important in reproductive health?
Young people are effective advocates for their own health rights.
What challenges exist in addressing adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria?
Poor funding, stigma, and inadequate access to youth-friendly services.
How does gender inequality contribute to adolescent reproductive health issues?
Increases vulnerability to early marriage, violence, and lack of education.
What are the main international organisations supporting adolescent reproductive health?
WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, USAID, and NGOs.
How does social marketing contribute to adolescent reproductive health?
Promotes awareness and acceptance of reproductive health services.
What are some emerging priorities in adolescent reproductive health globally?
Addressing digital influences, mental health, and emerging infections.
