1. Pre-service Education on FP and AYSRH
Session III Topic 1 Overview of the SRH Situation of Adolescents

2. WHO Definitions of Different Age Groups
The World Health Organization makes the following distinctions between the different age groups:
Adolescents are years of age.
Youth are years of age.
Young people are years of age
Child: A child is an individual aged below 18 years.
Explain the World Health Organization’s distinction between different age groups.
Use slides 2 and 3 to define key Adolescent Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH) terms.
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 2

3. Definition of Key AYSRH Terms
Adolescence: A gradual process when a child grows and develops into an adult. It is a stage of life characterized by changes in young people’s physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development.
Puberty: Growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics that occur during adolescence.
Child: A child is an individual aged below 18 years.
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 3

4. Dynamics that Shape the Unique Experience and Situation of Youth
Age
Some may be minors requiring parental/guardian consent to be provided with specific services.
Some need to assent for certain tests.
Some may need extra confidentiality.
Some may be sexually active and others not.
Developmental Stage (both physical and cognitive)
Some may not have the ability to understand certain information.
Some may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions.
Some may need more psychosocial and family support.
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 4

5. Dynamics that Shape the Unique Experience and Situation of Youth (cont)
Sex
Female and male adolescents have different physical concerns and risk factors based on biology.
Sexual and Gender Identity
Adolescents are defining themselves as individuals, which includes sexual and gender identities that may not fall within the social ‘norm’ and can lead to internal and external struggle.
Gender
Boys and girls may have different social and cultural practices and this may influence how they view themselves and relate to others (e.g. in sexuality, contraception, condom use, social acceptance of/tolerance for being sexually active).
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 5

6. Dynamics that Shape the Unique Experience and Situation of Youth (cont)
Education and Knowledge/Skills
Some are in school and others are out of school.
Varied educational levels affect the ability to comprehend and process information, understand consequences and plan for the future.
Varied levels of information and knowledge on SRH risk factors affect ability to make decisions and seek timely assistance.
Home Situation
Some adolescents live alone.
Some live with their parents or guardians.
Some may be living at school or at a separate location for work (e.g., domestic labor).
Some do not have stable homes and may be constantly moving around or living on streets.
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 6

7. Dynamics that Shape the Unique Experience and Situation of Youth (cont)
Marital Status
Some are married or in stable unions and may need couple counselling, fertility education, consent of partner, have other sexual partners.
Age and power imbalance
Role of other key influencers, such as parents and in-laws.
Economic and Social Support
Some have stable financial support to access health care and basic human needs.
Some have people they can turn to for emotional and financial support.
Some do not have any support and fend for themselves
AYSRH Topic 1, Slide 7