Indonesian survey looks at adolescent reproductive health

Publication Date: January 1999

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Sulistinah Irawati Achmad; Sidney B. Westley

Research Area: Health; Population and demographics

Type: Brief

Coverage: Indonesia

Abstract:

A recent survey conducted in four provinces of Indonesia found that nearly half of women age 15-24 had already married, and nearly all of young married women had at least one child. Very few young men or women remain in school after marriage. The survey found serious gaps in young people's knowledge of family planning and reproductive health, calling for better family life education in classrooms as well as community programs to help parents discuss sensitive issues with their adolescent children. The survey also found that young people's use of health services has been adversely affected by the recent economic crisis.