Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2001
Abstract
To assess the effectiveness of youth centers in reaching adolescents with reproductive health information, life skills, and services, the Reproductive Health Research Unit in KwaZulu Natal and the Population Council conducted an assessment of 12 youth centers and their affiliated peer education programs. The centers were run by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, the loveLife program, and the Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program. Researchers also examined young people’s use of condoms as protection against pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Data sources for this study, conducted in 2000, were an inventory of youth center services, interviews with center staff and clients, service statistics, and community surveys of 1,399 young people aged 12–24 and their parents. As noted in this brief, the study found that many sexually active young people in South Africa are knowledgeable about the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS but do not use condoms consistently. Service providers can do more to promote condom use among youth by placing condom dispensers in private places and counseling youth on correct condom use and safer sexual practices.
Recommended Citation
"South Africa: Providers should encourage sexually active youth to use condoms," FRONTIERS OR Summary. Washington, DC: Population Council, 2001.
DOI
10.31899/rh2001.1028
Language
English
Project
Frontiers in Reproductive Health
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons