A review of adolescent reproductive and sexual health program implemented in Sonitpur District, Assam

Abstract

Context: Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Programme has been widely conducted some time now, but it requires improvement for creating a more supportive environment, generating requisite level of awareness among adolescents, organizing better services, improving the capacity of service providers, and monitoring service provision and utilization. Aims: This study aimed to review the current implementation status of the programme in Sonitpur district of Assam and develop a proposal to improve the programme coverage. Settings and Design: Evaluation of various program indicators was carried out in the district by using secondary data available and interview of all stakeholders. Subjects and Methods: A review of the current implementation status was done by a review of programme indicators; interviewing the staff affiliated with the District Health Office and identifying geographic areas or population groups requiring a high focus. Results: There was a lack of awareness on the part of target population, inadequacy of staff especially grassroot workers, and insufficient advertisement and promotion by the authorities. Limitations of program implementation that came to light included sporadic implementation, lack of motivation at the level of staff for outreach activities to areas that do not have proper connectivity, limited information and awareness of population in certain blocks due to geographical remoteness, and lack of political will and commitment. Conclusions: Improvements in health-care facilities aimed specifically at adolescent population have been introduced relatively recently. There are barriers that hamper the implementation of programme on ground. It is important to address the limitations by better political will, intersectoral co-ordination, and interpersonal communication.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Assam
• health
• reproductive