The Youth Reproductive Health Survey in Granada, Nicaragua: Promoting Partnership between the Health and Education Sectors

Abstract

Objective: We facilitated a behavior survey on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health related issues among the youth in Granada, Nicaragua, and attempted to increase awareness among various stakeholders and promote partnership between the health and education sectors.
Methods: A behavioral survey was conducted among high teen students in Granada. Schools were sampled in collaboration with the educational sector.
Results: A total of 689 students participated. At the age of 16 years old, 33.3% of males and 7.2% of females had sexual experience, while 48.1% and 18.5%, respectively, at 18 years old. Only 28.2% of males and 13.3% of females reported condom use at the last non-commerical sex.
Discussion: The behavioral survey showed the risky situation among the youth in Granada and their needs.The results were discussed with various stakeholders, including the health and education sectors and students themselves. Behavioral survey can be an effective tool to gain support from the community and stakeholders across the administrative sectors. It is now perceived essential to promote the partnership between the health and education sectors to meet the needs of the youths and to build the capacity among the peer groups for effective response.