Discussions on Reproductive Health (Part 3)
STI: Many people with STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show symptoms, so you can’t always tell by appearance.
• Using natural remedies can cure STIs: Natural remedies are not proven treatments for STIs. Effective treatment usually requires medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Addressing these myths with accurate information is crucial for promoting safe sexual practices and preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs among youth.
As a youth nurse, how do you adapt your approach to be culturally sensitive when discussing issues related to sexual and reproductive health with youth of diverse backgrounds?
Common sexual and reproductive health concerns raised by adolescents?
Adolescents commonly raise various sexual and reproductive health concerns. Some of the most frequent ones include:
• Pregnancy: Worries about unintended pregnancy are common. Adolescents often have questions about contraception, fertility, and the risks of sexual activity.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Concerns about STIs, including how to prevent them, get tested, and the potential consequences of infection.
• Contraception: Questions about different contraceptive methods, their effectiveness, side effects, and how to access them.
• Menstrual health: Adolescents may seek information about irregular periods, severe menstrual cramps, or other menstrual-related issues.
• Body changes: Concerns about physical changes during puberty, such as breast development, facial hair, or voice changes.
• Mental health: The impact of sexual and reproductive health on mental well-being, including issues like body image, self-esteem, and anxiety.
• Relationships: Questions about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and communication with partners.
• Sexual orientation and gender identity: Adolescents may explore questions related to their sexual orientation and gender identity, seeking understanding and acceptance.
• Sexual violence: Concerns about sexual harassment, assault, or abuse and how to seek help and support if they’ve experienced such situations.
• Parental and peer pressure: Balancing peer and parental expectations and making decisions about sexual activity based on their values and desires.
• Access to healthcare: Adolescents may have concerns about how to access sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including confidentiality and affordability.
• Emergency contraception (morningafter pill): Questions about emergency contraception methods and their effectiveness after unprotected sex. Most people are not aware of the fact that the morning-after pill is available in all clinics across the country.
• Abortion: Concerns about abortion options, laws, and the emotional and physical aspects of the procedure.
• Sex education: Questions about the quality and availability of sex education in schools and how to fill gaps in their knowledge.
• Puberty: Understanding the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, including issues like acne, body odor, and growth spurts. These concerns highlight the importance of providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and accessible healthcare services tailored to the needs of adolescents. Healthcare providers and educators play a crucial role in addressing these concerns and ensuring that young people have accurate information and support to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
Working with youth of diverse cultural backgrounds, it’s important for us to be culturally sensitive. Some of the strategies we employ to achieve this include:
• Cultural awareness: Educating ourselves about the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of the youth we serve. This understanding will help us approach conversations with sensitivity.
• Cultural brokering: If necessary, consider involving cultural brokers or interpreters who can help bridge language and cultural gaps. This is common in youth clinics in Gantsi, for Basarwa, Maun, and Francistown areas.