Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Girls in the Age Group of 15-19 Years in an Urban Slum of Mumbai

Background: Behaviours adopted during adolescence affect the reproductive health in the long run. Objectives: 1.To study the socio-demographic characteristics of adolescent girls.2.To study knowledge, attitude and behaviour of adolescent girls with reference to reproductive health issues .3.To explore the reproductive health needs of adolescent girls.

Materials and Method: A list of all adolescent girls was obtained from ICDS project catering to the study area. Total 200 adolescent girls in the age group of 15-19 years were interviewed by systematic random sampling, maintaining full privacy, with prior consent using a pretested questionnaire containing structured, pre-coded and few open ended questions. The data was analyzed by using percentages and chi-square test.

Results: Only 28.14% females had a prior knowledge of menstruation. About 11.5% mentioned that females determine the sex of the child. Less than half, 49.5% were aware about any family planning method. More than 3/4th adolescent girls interviewed knew about the principle modes of transmission of AIDS. Only 38.5% females were aware of the potential benefit of condom use in preventing HIV transmission.92% expressed the need to have detail information on conception and family planning.

Interpretation and conclusions: A significant number of girls were unaware about the various reproductive health issues, ranging from menstruation, conception, contraception to STI'S and HIV-AIDS. Significant association was seen between their level of education and knowledge on HIV-AIDS and Myths about HIV.