Adolescent Health Project

1. The Genesis

Adolescent population consists of one-fifth of our country population- half of which are girls. However this section of population has not been focused in entirety by the Govt. or development planners- always been sidetracked and being passive recipients of development schemes. Yet, one can hardly deny the crucial phase of adolescence in one's life and the rapid changes taking place in one's body, mind and feelings which are likely to influence one's life in due course of time.

The advent of adolescence signals curious phase of physical, psychological, sexual and emotional maturity process - putting in the process young mind to considerable confusions, contradictions and curiosity - added with peer pressure-leading to, at times, emotional chaos and turmoil. Given the conservative, male-dominated society in our country- if the curiosities of young mind are not properly addressed- it may lead to, more often and not, detrimental, likely that they pursue unhealthy, harmful practices. Helping them with correct knowledge and information about reproductive health, sex and sexuality will go a long way enabling them to better focus on their career, correct life style, right priorities and decision making in life.

With such prospective in mind, the Association of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Delhi (AOGD), under the leadership of its President, Dr. Sudha Salhan, launched an "Adolescent Health Project" , as a Pilot intervention , in October, 2003 with an objectives of imparting scientifically correct knowledge with right perspective on various issues surrounding reproductive health, sex and sexuality. Smile Foundation's support to AOGD for the project has been instrumental in translating the same into a reality.

2. The Concept and Strategy

The project stands unique in the sense that it's strategy is based entirely on networking and volunteerism . Using the platform of Association of Gynecologists of Delhi (AOGD), the networking involves roping in the members (doctors) under the Association for voluntary services under the project, at the one hand, and networking with School management/ Principal & Teachers for necessary facilitation- support in terms of school time, required facilities for conduction of programme, allocation of teacher(s) and making available students for the educational sessions.

3. Project coverage and Beneficiary profile

In all 50 schools (Govt. & Public) have been identified and adopted in various parts of Delhi by designated member doctors of AOGD. On an average, 300-500 adolescent children of class 8-12 from each school are proposed to be covered. The age group of children are 12-18 years. However the emphasis is on adolescent girls.

4. The Project and activities planned

Under the project, member Gynecologists (Doctors) of the Association, practicing in various institutions/parts of city, are involved in carrying out educational and counseling activities. However, as a strategy , these member doctors were provided an orientation, through a Workshop , on adolescent health issues, the parameters and manner of presentation, Protocol etc.- keeping in view the social, cultural and ethical sensitivities of the community.

The orientation Workshop for AOGD's member doctors was for 1-day which was split into various sessions covering topics, in specifics, like- Magnitude of adolescent Health Problems in India; Puberty & Pubertal Disorders, Menstrual problems; Nutrition, Endocrinal problems & RTI among adolescents; Contraception; Sex & sexuality- myths & misconceptions; Approach to an adolescent client, adolescent counseling; Stress management, substance abuse and depression etc. The workshop also laid down the protocol of activities as suggested by AOGD. These doctors were also guided about manner of conducting sessions, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and suitable, easily comprehensible replies. The workshop was attended by more than 100 doctors who showed keen interest in the project and agreed to adopt a school on voluntary basis. Educational materials were also given to the Doctors to facilitate conduction of sessions.

Subsequently each doctor is to adopt at least one school in their locality (convenience) for imparting reproductive health education and adolescent problems and counseling to children of Class 8-12.

For operational convenience, all the schools were divided into four zones and a Zonal In-charge was formally nominated. Zonal In-charges and experts on different topics are involved in material development, finalizing plan, content and methodology of workshop, interactive sessions, teachers training workshop, fact sheets on health issues and advocacy materials.

Also the teachers are suitably oriented rather sensitized about adolescent problems and issues. The fact sheet for Teacher Training covered aspects relating to- Eating practices for staying healthy, Adolescent body image concerns, Menstrual disorders, Sexual roles and responsibilities, Adolescent contraception, Peer pressure, Understanding and Managing conflict, Coping with stress, Counseling for adolescent girls and Teachers as effective communicators.

Interactive sessions (in all four) by Doctors are held at least once every month in each school adopted under the programme. Subsequently the identified Doctor conducts 3-5 sessions-each of hour duration- in the school. Each session attempts to cover one to two main health concern besides responding to queries of children. Any one needing special counseling or treatment is referred to appropriate place.