Transcript Slide 1

Very Young Adolescents in
Humanitarian Contexts:
Risks and Needs
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Learning Objectives
• Explain research methods used
• Identify the unique needs and risks faced
during early adolescents following conflict
• Discuss the implications of these findings
• Discuss interventions in settings of
insecurity that would help address these
needs and risks
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Research Consortium
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Funding made available by CDC
International Medical Corps
Save the Children
Adolescent Reproductive Health Network
Johns Hopkins
American University in Beirut
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Research Questions
• What are the perceived SRH risks and
needs of very young adolescents (VYAs?)
• How has displacement affected the
transition from young adolescent into later
adolescence and adulthood?
• What type of help is available for 10-14
year olds?
Research Settings
Thailand
Lebanon
Ethiopia
Research undertaken
•Exploratory Interviews
•Participatory Methods
•Photo elicitation
•Community Mapping
•Focus group discussions
•Household survey
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Concerns expressed by VYAs
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Poverty
Being forced to work
Limited access to school
Early Marriage (Ethiopia/ Lebanon) and
pregnancy
• Physical violence
(Girls and boys may fear different forms of violence)
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Service Needs
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Menstrual hygiene is a critical gap
Adolescents do want more information
Health facilities are not information source
Most information is gained from families
– Mothers are a critical source of information in
all settings
– In Thailand, teachers and health care
providers are preferred sources of information
– In Ethiopia, friends and siblings
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
Implications
• Research methodologies should be adapted
• Traditional SRH frameworks do not necessarily
fit well for VYAs
• Reach young adolescents where they are
(outside of traditional health care)
• Involve parents (especially mothers) more
actively in programming
• Work with other sectors
Research. Rethink. Resolve.
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