Very Young Adolescents in Humanitarian Contexts:

Risks and Needs

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Learning Objectives

• Explain research methods used

• Identify the unique needs and risks faced during early adolescents following conflict

• Discuss the implications of these findings

• Discuss interventions in settings of insecurity that would help address these needs and risks

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Research Consortium

• Funding made available by CDC• International Medical Corps• Save the Children• Adolescent Reproductive Health Network• Johns Hopkins• American University in Beirut

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Research Questions

• What are the perceived SRH risks and needs of very young adolescents (VYAs?)

• How has displacement affected the transition from young adolescent into later adolescence and adulthood?

• What type of help is available for 10-14 year olds?

Research Settings

Thailand

Lebanon

Ethiopia

Research undertaken

•Exploratory Interviews

•Participatory Methods•Photo elicitation•Community Mapping•Focus group discussions

•Household survey

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Concerns expressed by VYAs

• Poverty

• Being forced to work

• Limited access to school

• Early Marriage (Ethiopia/ Lebanon) and pregnancy

• Physical violence (Girls and boys may fear different forms of violence)

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Service Needs

• Menstrual hygiene is a critical gap• Adolescents do want more information• Health facilities are not information source• Most information is gained from families

– Mothers are a critical source of information in all settings

– In Thailand, teachers and health care providers are preferred sources of information

– In Ethiopia, friends and siblings

Research. Rethink. Resolve.

Implications

• Research methodologies should be adapted• Traditional SRH frameworks do not necessarily

fit well for VYAs• Reach young adolescents where they are

(outside of traditional health care)• Involve parents (especially mothers) more

actively in programming• Work with other sectors

womensrefugeecommission.org

Research. Rethink. Resolve.