KAYA — A significant study on reproductive health among young people in Kaya, Burkina Faso, was unveiled by the Pengdwendé Association for the Development of Youth in Burkina Faso (APEPJ-BF), focusing on key aspects such as menstruation management, abortion consequences, and STI prevention.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the research targeted 498 individuals aged 11 to 30, employing both individual surveys and focus group discussions. Conducted from May 10 to 27, 2024, the study gathered insights from seven sectors and various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites in Kaya. It addressed critical issues like contraception, family planning, and the management of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The findings reveal a concerning gap in awareness; 33% of participants admitted to having little knowledge about sexuality. Moreover, a significant majority, 82%, acknowledged their right to access reproductive health information, underlining the need for continued education on these topics. The study highlighted the absence of knowledge about local resources, with 123 out of 200 respondents unaware of any community centers where they could learn about or discuss sexual health issues.
Further challenges include the lack of awareness about listening centers, with 69% of respondents unaware of their existence. Despite these obstacles, the survey’s execution was deemed successful, with a 100% completion rate. This initiative was part of a broader project funded by Save The Children aimed at reducing early pregnancies and improving access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Timothée Sawadogo, coordinator at APEPJ-BF, expressed satisfaction with the study’s outcomes but emphasized the ongoing challenges in reproductive health education among the youth. He advocated for the renewal of the project to ensure the continuation of efforts to enhance the sexual and reproductive health of young individuals.
The survey period, coinciding with end-of-year academic activities, posed additional difficulties in engaging students and IDP youths. Recommendations from respondents included increasing awareness efforts in educational settings, IDP sites, and homes, and expanding the availability of youth listening centers.