[Adolescent reproductive health in Senegal: situation and care strategies]

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent reproductive health is a public health concern in Senegal because of early sexuality and fecondity and its consequences. The objectives of this study is to address key issues of adolescent reproductive health and interventions in order to give recommendations.

Material and methods: For this review article, data collection was performed from work carried out in Sénégal and related to adolescent reproductive health. Thus, aspects related to sexuality and its consequences in adolescent health have been studied. Also, interventions which address adolescent reproductive health have been highlighted.

Results: Adolescents represent the quater of the population in Senegal. They are faced with h ealth issues related to early pregnancies, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. Despite these remarks, adolescents hardly use health services because of stigmatisation, shame, fear or because of health providers attitudes. Several interventions have been launched and implemented. They have included sensibilisation, information, education and services provision in structures specially reserved for adolescents and youth.

Conclusion: Several research studies and interventions have been done in adolescent reproductive health. However, few of them have been published in peer review journals. During adolescence, continuous actions with an holistic approach should be taken to address adolescent health issues and development.