Discourse on Youth' Sexual and Reproductive Health-Stigmatized in Lahore Pakistan

INTRODUCTION:

Pakistan is facing various challenges to deal with issue of youth’ Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). Although youth represent large number of population, yet are deprived to seek proper education and treatment to cope with their SRH’ needs.

Subject of human sexuality is associated with strong ideology, moral views and traditions. Being Muslim country where, to discuss the topic of SRH is a societal taboo, less research is done. Moreover, poor infrastructure coupled with non-cooperative behaviour of family/community and healthcare providers discourage youth’ practices to access particular services. Thus need for this study has arisen to understand youth development, enabling to provide appropriate information about sexuality and reproductive health to youth of Pakistan.

METHODS/APPROACH:

Research on “Assessment of awareness of youth living in Lahore regarding Reproductive health” was conducted in 2009, funded by Small Scale Research Grant under Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at John Hopkins University and organized by Population Council. Potential participants for study were youth (males and female of 15-24 years), parents, teachers, representatives of youth organizations, service-providers and Govt. officials/policy-makers. Qualitative research technique was adopted through 40 In-depth interviews and 12 Focus-Group Discussions alongwith combining two techniques (Dynamic Contextual-Analysis and Formative-Research).

RESULTS:

Research provided a deep insight into lives and thinking of youth. Results show that youth are quite aware about subject although there are still some concerns about access and understanding of correct/authentic knowledge. It highlighted gaps in access to information from reliable sources and non-cooperative behaviour of family and community.  

CONCLUSION:

Research concluded that there is major difference of perceptions and awareness-level amongst females and males. Lack of reliable knowledge about sexuality/reproduction, unpreparedness for physical/emotional changes, over-exposure of information via internet, scarcity of youth-based interventions and ambiguity of key-stakeholders’ roles are major constraints.