Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH)

In 1994, the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents was recognised as a public health priority at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo. However, the risks of Haitian adolescents contracting an STI or experiencing an early pregnancy remain high, despite the Haitian government’s adoption of a national youth and adolescent health policy in 2001. The data show that adolescents in rural areas are at the very heart of this health issue. This study therefore sought to establish the link between risky sexual behaviour among adolescents aged 15-19 and rural settings, whilst investigating the underlying determinants, with a view to contributing to the development of a sexual and reproductive health programme specifically targeting this population, which has been neglected in national programmes. This document is intended for organisations working in the field of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Haiti, students, researchers and all other health professionals.