Social and Behavior Change Communication Strategies to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning Outcomes among Out-of-School Adolescents and Youth in the Philippines

Social and Behavior Change Communication Strategies to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning Outcomes among Out-of-School Adolescents and Youth in the Philippines

Project Director: Dr. Jesusa M. Marco
Funding Agency: Population Council

Based on recent data, there are almost 40 million Filipinos ranging from 6 to 24 years old, 9% of which are out-of-school youth. One alarming issue faced by OSY is their engagement in risky behaviors involving sexual and reproductive health (WHO, 2010). As a sub-group within the larger Filipino population, OSY are found to be more vulnerable with respect to high risk sexual behaviors (DOH, 2018).

This study aims to 1) determine what makes out-of-school youth, males and females, 15-17 and 18-19 years old behave the way they do in relation to the four priority behaviors of delay of sexual debut, use of modern contraceptive methods to prevent teen pregnancy, care seeking in first trimester, and birth spacing of at least 2 years; 2) identify the significant and effective channels and influences/influencers in reaching OSY, particularly in terms of frequency and volume of exposure, reach and responsiveness to their current needs and preferences; and 3) generate evidence in coming up with the most appropriate and effective approaches and strategies to bring about change among OSY Filipinos in the four priority behaviors.

Key words: out-of-school youth, sexual and reproductive health and family planning, contraceptive methods, teenage pregnancy, birth spacing