HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR ADOLESCENTS IN PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND UNWANTED PREGNANCIES

V.	Hirsl-Hecej, J. Dobravc-Poljak, N. Sikanic-Dugic, T. Paveli6-Turudi6 Children’s Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb University Medical School,

Department of Reproductive Health, Klaiteva 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Sexualy transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies in adolescents have become public health problems. Since they are the result of sexual risk behaviour, health/sexual education of adolescents is needed.
Department of Reproductive Health, beside its basic medical activity (pediatric and adolescent gynecology), also caries out preventive, health educational programmes.
Objectives — promotion and protection of reproductive and general health of adolescents; decreasing of STDs and teen pregnancies; support and help to schools, and health organisations in implementation of adolescent health education.
Principles — youth friendly health care service; information and education of adolescents; active involvement of adolescents in preventive programmes; cooperation with schools and other institutions working with adolescents; education of professionals.
Forms of action — lectures, courses, workshops, public tribunes, peer education, seminars, professional meetings, researches; printed and video materials; educational drama, radio and TV programmes, dysco-programmes, public manifestations; activity implementation in health organisations, schools, and out-school meeting-places of youth.
Contents — STDs, HIV/AIDS, birth control and family planing, fertility and reproduction, risk-taking behaviour, social skills.
Health education publications: “Sexually transmitted diseases “, “Birth control” -leaflets; “Menstrual cycle and hygiene”- brochure; “AIDS”, “Smoking”, “Alcohol “, “Reproductive health”- textbooks, posters, leaflets.
Health education of adolescents increases their knowledge of fads, but also provides support and develops skills needed for avoiding of risk-taking behaviour and preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Adolescent involving in preventive programmes develops their capabilities and supports their self-respect and responsibility in sexual behaviour.

Vlasta Hirsil-Hecej, M.D., M.Sc.

Children's Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb Univenity Medical School, Department of Reproductive Health
Kiaiteva 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Fax: +3851 4826053
E-mail:	vhirsl@white.kdb.hr