[Young people first]

Action Contre SIDA. 1995 Apr:(24):1-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

PIP: In every country, people debate about at what point youth should be informed about sex, if it is normal to be sexually active and at what age, and if it is necessary for youth to have easy access to condoms and other contraceptive methods. The reason for the debate is that young people are being exposed to more and more risks. It is time for them to have the means to protect themselves against HIV infections, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unwanted pregnancy. More than 50% of the world's population is less than 25 years old. Youth are becoming sexually active at younger ages. More than 50% of HIV cases in the world are younger than 25. The most vulnerable to HIV are young women. When young adults die of AIDS, their children become orphans and must live with other family members. Most deaths among 15-19 year old girls are associated with pregnancy or childbirth. 1 in 20 adolescents has been treated for at least 1 STD. The number is probably higher since most youth do not have access to STD treatment or do not even know they have an STD. Youth often do not have access to sexuality counseling, family planning services, or STD services. Adolescence is a time of considerable physical and emotional change. Youth want to experience new ways to love and to feel loved. These new experiences and the risks that come with the experiences are needed for development but youth need support to avoid risky behavior. Factors that make the already vulnerable youth even more vulnerable are poverty, unemployment, little education, abuse of alcohol and drugs, and violence. Youth need sex education at school; activities in religious, sport, and youth club organizations; use of the mass media to promote sexual responsibility; and access to family planning. Youth programs must be based on specific responses and beliefs, information, and knowledge needs identified by the youth themselves. Youth need more than facts on sex and reproduction. They need to discuss, ask questions, and know if sex is the only or better way to express feelings. They need a supportive environment.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome*
  • Adolescent*
  • Age Factors
  • Behavior
  • Demography
  • Disease
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic*
  • HIV Infections*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Infections
  • Personality
  • Population
  • Population Characteristics
  • Psychology
  • Sex Education*
  • Sexuality*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases*
  • Virus Diseases