Citation

Regmi PR, Simkhada P, Teijlingen E. Glob. J. Health Sci. 2010; 2(1): 60-72.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Canadian Center of Science and Education)

DOI

10.5539/gjhs.v2n1P60

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

One of the key characteristics of many developing countries compared to more developed countries is that their population is relatively young, and a proportion of those young people are becoming sexually active each year. The last two decades has seen a growing concern worldwide of the spread of HIV/AIDS, but, of course, young people face a range of socio-economic, cultural, psychological and sexual health-related problems at that time of their life. Very little research has been conducted in this area into Nepalese young people's problems. Our qualitative study explores key problems faced by Nepalese youths with particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health issues. The findings of ten focus group discussions with a total of 75 participants and 31 in-depth individual interviews indicated that many young people of Nepal face a range socio-economic, psychological, sexual and reproductive health-related problems. Unemployment, less opportunity for sex and entertainment, stress, curiosity, communication gap and poor sex education and sexual health services were frequently reported problems. In addition there was a gender difference around sex with young women (girls) having fewer opportunities and less freedom than young men (boys). In order improve young people's sexual health, more attention needs to be given to rigorous research and the design and implementation of appropriate interventions. Young people's ability to make informed choices about their own health and risk behaviour should be enhanced.

Language: en