Improving the paradigm of approaches to adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Traditional approaches to improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) have focused on changing individual behavior, with little emphasis on addressing the factors that contribute to this behavior: biological changes; the influence of family and friends; the communities in which young people live; and access to economic and academic opportunities. This article provides an overview of the various factors that influence ASRH behaviors and outcomes and suggests an approach grounded in the principles of positive youth development to reduce risk factors and improve the protective factors that contribute to adolescents' successful and healthy transition into adulthood.
Research Utilization, GHPN-Global Health, Population, and Nutrition, FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27701, USA. KPlourde@fhi360.org.
Kate F
KF
Plourde
Research Utilization, GHPN-Global Health, Population, and Nutrition, FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
Suzanne
S
Fischer
Research Utilization, GHPN-Global Health, Population, and Nutrition, FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
Joy
J
Cunningham
Director, Youth Department, SED-Socio and Economic Development, FHI 360, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 2009, USA.
Kristin
K
Brady
RMNCH-Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, GHPN-Global Health, Population, and Nutrition, FHI 360, 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
Donna R
DR
McCarraher
D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D006801:Humans; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012944:Social Support
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health; Positive youth development