Population office in Caraga presents results of adolescent, reproductive health study
The study, which included 434 respondents (222 females and 212 males), provided valuable insights into the sexual and reproductive health situation of adolescents in Barangay Dumalagan. Key findings included low reported rates of pregnancy (0.9 percent) and impregnation (0.5 percent), but significant prevalence of verbal (32.5 percent), physical (12.4 percent), and sexual (0.9 percent) abuse among the respondents. The study also highlighted the presence of smoking (4.4 percent), alcohol consumption (26 percent), and experimentation with prohibited drugs (0.5 percent) among the adolescents.
Dir. Makinano emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to address the identified challenges and promote the well-being of adolescents in the barangay. He presented a set of recommendations for the barangay council of Dumalagan, city government of Butuan, and CPD Caraga, which include:
1. Collaborating with schools, health centers, and youth organizations to implement comprehensive, age-appropriate, and gender-responsive sexual and reproductive health education programs;
2. Establishing
confidential helplines and counseling services for adolescents to seek guidance
and support on issues related to sexual and reproductive health, abuse, and
substance use;
3. Organizing
community-based campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of healthy
relationships, consent, and the prevention of verbal, physical, and sexual
abuse;
4. Allocating
resources to support the implementation of ASRH programs and services,
particularly in areas with high rates of adolescent pregnancy, abuse, and
substance use; and
5. Developing
and enforcing policies that protect adolescents from abuse and exploitation,
and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
During the meeting, Makinano stressed the significance of evidence-based interventions and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of ASRH programs. He also highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to mobilize resources and expertise for adolescent sexual and reproductive health initiatives.
"By working together and taking a holistic approach, we can create a supportive environment that empowers our adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and ultimately will lead to healthier and more productive lives," Makinano said.
The presentation of the study's findings, analysis, interpretation, and recommendations marked a crucial step in addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents in Barangay Dumalagan and the larger Caraga Region. As the CPD Caraga continues to prioritize the well-being of youth, the insights gained from this study will serve as a foundation for the development and implementation of targeted, evidence-based interventions and policies. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
