Reproductive health programs for young adults : school-based programs

After documenting the rationale for, and benefits of, addressing RH through schools, the report reviews the types of school-based RH programs: family life education, sexuality education, population education, HIV/AIDs education, peer education, and school-based RH services, including school condom programs. The report then discusses lessons learned from published and unpublished literature and from experts in the field regarding the process of planning, designing, and implementing a school-based RH program and individual program components, covering (1) curriculum content and selection, classroom teaching methods, youth involvement, and training of instructors and nonteaching staff; (2) health services (school-based or school-linked) incorporating clinical, counseling, nutritional, and contraceptive services; (3) the psychosocial and physical health environment of the school; and (4) a coordinating mechanism to integrate the components and to link schools with parents and the community. A table outlining key elements in the process of implementing and sustaining a program is provided. Concluding sections of the report address the challenge of keeping children in school and detail critical research questions and recommendations. Appendices contain examples of school-based RH programs and references.