Grooming Responsible Adolescents in the Times of AIDS (RATA): A Comprehensive Health Promotion Workshop for Young-Dependants of Oil and Gas Workers in Nigeria

摘要

Recent reports indicate that there is increasing rate of sexualrnintercourse amongst Nigerian Adolescents. They are poorlyrninformed about reproductive health and their main sources ofrninformation on such intimate subjects are peer groups, orrnschoolmates with the media contributing moderately andrnParents playing the least role. This scenario is expected to bernworse with Field-Based Oil Workers who are highly mobile,rnspending long time away from home, have poor access tornhealth information and hence impact no sexuality education onrntheir young dependants.rnUsing Key Informant Interviews and Focus GrouprnDiscussions (FGD), 200 dependants of Oil & Gas Employeesrnof Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) between 14 -24yrs of agernin Warri Nigeria, were studied to assess their social andrnreproductive health perceptions. The Medical Unit of CNLrnorganized a youth-friendly comprehensive reproductive-healthrnpromotion workshop for these randomly selected youthsrnnominated by their parents with the theme- “ResponsiblernAdolescents in the Times of AIDS” [RATA]. This Entereducationrnconsists of lectures (on HIV/AIDS, Drug Abuse,rnetc), Film Shows, Quiz, Dance drama, etc. with the youthsrnparticipating. Souvenirs were also distributed to sustainrnknowledge gained and promote Peer education.rnThe study revealed poorly informed youths with poor riskrnperception and high rate of Sexually transmitted diseasesrn(STDs). The post workshop FGD revealed more informedrnyouths that were ready to take decisions that will protect themrnfrom health hazards, practice safe sex and become role modelsrnto other youths in their community.rnThough RATA is a pilot project, the benefits of the workshoprncannot be overemphasized. The participatory approach by thernyouths enhanced their positive response to the consequencesrnof STDs, unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse and violence. Inrnthe near future, a modified form of this program will bernextended to parents, guardian and teachers in this communityrnto enhance its success.