How the Reproductive Health Needs of Unmarried Youth Be Concerned in Quality Services in Family Planning/Reproductive Health?

Objective To understand the reproductive health needs of unmarried youth so as to provide them better quality services. Method Data were drawn from a baseline questionnaire survey of provision of reproductive health information and services for unmarried youth aged 16-20 years in rural areas of Chengdu, Southwest China in 2001-2002. Results The study comprised of 1 895 valid subjects. More than 70% subjects felt that the knowledge, information and services in relation to sexual and reproductive health provided by the society were rather insufficient. Near 95% thought that unmarried young people seeking sexual and reproductive health counseling and services were quite normal, although some of them had different misgivings. Their preferred services in reproductive health included： counseling in relation to sexual and reproductive health, how to cope with unexpected sex and unwanted pregnancy, how to select the appropriate contraceptives for unmarried youth, etc. About 2/3 subjects agreed to provide contraceptive services to unmarried youth actively, by the society. A. nd they thought the difficulties and obstacles in provision of contraceptive services for un- married youth were in the following order.＂ restriction of the traditional conceptions, shyness of unmarried youth in accept of such services, disapproval of parents/school teachers, and so forth. Conclusion To improve reproductive health status of unmarried youth and meet their needs is a challenge to quality service of family planning/reproductive health program in China, The related departments and service providers should pay attention to this matter and take the strategies and measures to provide appropriate, specific, friendly and accessibly services for unmarried young people.

Comparison of Depression and Anxiety between Unmarried Female Youth in Two Groups of Induced Abortion and None-Induced Abortion in Yibin City of China

Objectives To explore the risk factors influencing the mental status of unmarried female youth. Methods ,4 cross-sectional survey and a qualitative interview were adopted. 1200 unmarried female volunteers （600 with 1,4） who aged 15-29 years in Yibin city were investigated, and 8 focus group discussions （FGDs） and 8 in-depth interviews were conducted. Except the investigation of subject＇s personal information, econ-socio status, sexual behavior, contraception and reproductive health problems they face, two selfreporting scales, CES-D and SAS were used for assessment of depression and anxiety of the subjects. Results 1） Depression and anxiety among unmarried female youth investigated in current study are relatively common. Proportions of the females with depression and anxiety to the total sample are 27.4% and 33.4%, respectively; 2） Depression and anxiety of the females with 1,4 are more serious than that of the female without 1,4. Proportions of unmarried females with IA have depression and anxiety to the total unmarried females with 1,4 are 3.45 times and 2.61 times that of unmarried females without 1,4 have depression and anxiety to the total unmarried females without 1,4, respectively; 3） IA is one of the key risk factors influencing depression and anxiety of unmarried female youth. Other risk factors are lack on basic knowledge about sex/ STD/HIV/AIDS, reproductive tract infections, relatively lower income, age at sex debut is relatively younger, etc. In addition, multiple sex partners and repeat pregnancies were risk factors influencing anxiety of unmarried female youth. Conclusion Depession and anxiety was more popular in unmarried females with IA Intervention for improving mental health of unmarried females should be developred Key words：

Influence of Parental Factors on Sex-related Knowledge,Attitudes and Practice in Unmarried Youth

Objective To explore the influence of parental factors on sexual and reproductive health awareness,attitudes to pre-marital sex, and pre-marital sexual activity among unmarried youthMethods Data were collected by anonymous self-completed questionnaire survey among eli-gible unmarried youth aged 15~22 in Chengdu City, Southwest China during 1998~1999 andthe study comprised of 3 307 valid subjects.Results Awareness of safe sex and contraception among unmarried youth was limited and theirattitudes towards pre-marital sexual activity appeared to be positive. Large proportions of dat-ing subjects were sexually active and reported ever-using contraceptives, regular or appropriateuse of contraceptives was likely to be limited. About two thirds of adolescents had communica-tion with their parents frequently, but fewer had communicated with their parents on sex-relatedissues. but they did influence the sexual behaviours of adolescents. In fact, it appeared that co-residence and extensive communication with parents on sex-related issues could delay sexualactivity among adolescents, and the sexually active youth co-resided with their parents weremore likely to take contraceptive measures.Conclusion Programmes are needed not only for youth to encourage them to communicate withtheir parents on sex-related issues, but also for parents to know the current sexual health statusof youth and realize the necessity to communicate with their adolescent children about sexualand reproductive health issues.

Adolescent and Unmarried Youth Reproductive Health:Status,Perspectives and Strategies

The United Nations International Conference on Population and Development(ICPD), held in Cairo in 1994, recognized that adolescents and young people have

Study on Perception of Potential Condom Use among Unmarried Migrants

Objective To understand the perception of potential condom use and its influencing factors so as to promote condom use among unmarried migrantsMethod A survey, using self-administered structured anonymous questionnaire, was conducted among 1 092 unmarried migrants aged 15～24 years old in urban area of Shanghai. Results The unmarried migrants had some knowledge of condom. However, their knowledge level and their attitude towards condom use were not so optimistic. Subjects' knowledge of contraceptives and STD/AIDS had a positive influence on their attitude toward condom use. Subjects with positive attitude to condom use were more likely to use condom in sexual activity (OR=1.61). Conclusion Unmarried migrants have lower rate of condom use if they have insufficient knowledge of condom. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen the sexual health education among unmarried sex-active migrants in order to encourage contraceptive use, especially condom use.

Analysis on the Attitude of the Family Planning staff toward the Contraception Service Delivery to the Unmarried Youth

ve To analyze the attitude of family planning staff on providing contracep tives to unmarried youth

Current Situations and Challenges Concerning Sexual Health among Unmarried Couples Composed of a Mix of Japanese, South Korean Nationals, and Ethnic Koreans Born in Japan (<i>Zainichi</i>): A Qualitative Study

South Korean nationals are heavily represented in Japan’s foreign population, making up around 20% of all foreign residents in the country. Koreans in Japan can be viewed in two groups: Korean nationals who work or study in Japan, and those of Korean ancestry who were born in Japan or otherwise have historical reasons for residency (commonly called zainichi). There are certain differences seen in gender roles and Confucianism-based traditional culture among Japanese, South Korean nationals, and zainichi. This qualitative study examined consciousness and attitudes about marriage, family planning, and work-life balance in unmarried couples among these three groups. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with five unmarried couples comprising two members from the above three groups (age range: 20 - 35 years), residing in the Kinki region of western Japan. Twelve categories, 25 subcategories, and 79 codes were extracted from 636 contexts. Values regarding sexual health were analyzed from four viewpoints: marriage, family planning, work-life ba- lance, and sexual concerns. The results showed that the couples thought positively about marriage and family planning, while they had several sources of anxiety related to Confucian values and problems stemming from their different nationalities/roots. It is possible that gender roles and Confucian beliefs affect their sexual health. The study underscores that health professionals should provide pertinent knowledge and skills about family planning and child rearing, as well as premarital sexual health counselling, for unmarried couples composed of Japanese, South Korean nationals, and zainichi.

Improving Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviours of Unmarried Female Youth with First Trimester Induced Abortion in Sichuan,China

Objectives To understand the changes on sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried induced abortion（IA） youth by intervention in Sichuan, China; and to find a way to improve sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried IA youth. Methods Intervention epidemiological surveys （baseline and evaluation） plus qualitative interview were used. During July 2002 and July 2003, 2 484 unmarried female volunteers who aged 15-29 years and come to clinics seeking abortion were recruited by cluster random sampling from the four selected regions of Sichuan, 48 volunteers were interviewed for 8 focusgroup discussions （FGDs） and 16 in-depth interviews equally for each survey. Information, education anol communication（IEC） materials, education sessions, trainings and counseling were given to subjects and service providers during the project implementation. Questionnaires for surveys and guidelines for qualitative interviews were used. Results Comparison of the after with the before intervention. 1） the proportion of respondents having knowledge about sexuality was increased by 13%. Among them, the proportion of respondents got part and most of the knowledge was increased by 43%. Maximum number of sex partners the respondents have decreased from 9 to 4. Respondents＇partnerships have gradually changed from more acquaintances/school mates/boyfriends to fianés mainly; 2） respondents＇ contraceptive use rate was increased by 20%. Among them, the condom use rate increased rapidly to 80%. Purposes of condom use were changed from only for contraception to for prevention of HIV/AIDS/STDs and pregnancy. And most of respondents stabilised their method use - condoms. Most of respondents suggested condoms was the method most suitable for unmarried IA youth, this proportion was increased by 44%; 3） proportion of respondents knowing more about consequences of induced abortion was increased by 24%; and 4） proportions of respondents having depression and anxiety symptoms were decreased by 66% and by 61%, respectively. Conclusion The intervention including IEC materials, education, training and counseling was effective in improving sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried IA youth.

Attitudes of Family Planning Workers toward Setting Up Special Counseling Stations for Unmarried Young Adults

ve To understand attitudes of family planning workers to setting up special counseling stations for unmarried young adults and to identify the acceptable and feasible ways to provide the services for unmarried young adults in eight provinces/cities in China

Induced abortion among unmarried women in China

This study uses a literature review to probe the prevalence and trends of induced abortions among unmarried women since the 1980s.Premarital pregnancy has become more and more common,and this has pushed the premarital abortion rate still higher.With the premarital abortion rate remaining markedly high in China,the percentage of women who have experienced premarital abortions has risen stead-ily with the passage of time.Not only has the prevalence of premarital abortions increased in China on the whole,but there is evidence that some young women have had multiple abortions.Premarital abortion is more prevalent in urban areas and among migrants and less-educated women.The huge number of premarital abor-tions not only signifies a palpable,unmet need for contraceptives,but also repre-sents an immense number of unrealized births.In the years to come,it is imperative to strengthen research into premarital abortions,to optimize the approaches to data collection and analysis,and to improve reproductive health services for unmarried women.

A Literature Review on “Non- Marriage”: A Global Comparative Perspective

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the existing literature on the phenomenon of non-marriage or staying unmarried in Asian countries such as China,Japan,South Korea,and Singapore,as well as European and American countries such as Spain and the US,and explores the trends,characteristics as well as reasons behind such a phenomenon.Through analysis,the present study found that there is a growing trend of postponed marriage and parenthood as well as an increasing proportion of individuals who exhibit no enthusiasm towards matrimony or parenthood in the aforementioned countries.To some extent,non-marriage or postponed marriage has become a prevalent trend in developed countries and even some developing countries.Japan,South Korea,and several developed countries in Europe and America have exhibited this phenomenon since the middle to late 20th century,with a relatively long history.The emergence of this phenomenon in China,Malaysia,the Philippines,and other developing countries in Asia,however,was relatively late,exhibiting a gradual development process.The current marriage landscape in China is characterized by a growing number of non-marriage individuals and a significant level of marital stability.In terms of reasons for staying unmarried,the marriage rates in the aforementioned countries can be attributed to various factors at macro,meso,and micro levels.In China,the phenomenon of non-marriage is closely associated with a range of factors,including diverse values and attitudes towards romance and marriage,marriage squeeze,education expansion,and the rise in females’economic and social status.The emphasis in future research should be placed on predicting the phenomenon of non-marriage,with a specific focus on exploring the reasons for advocating non-marriage,examining the internal mechanisms underlying this phenomenon,analyzing the consequences of non-marriage,and proposing corresponding countermeasures while establishing the public identity towards marriage.

Study of Peer-led Intervention on Reproductive Health Education and AIDS Prevention in Joint Venture Factories in Kunshan County

Objective To disseminate the knowledge of contraception and STD/AIDS prevention to unmarried young adults.Methods A peer-led 8-month intervention on reproductive health promotion and STD/ AIDS preve,tion was conducted in joint venture factories in Kunshan County through existing famity planning service network. A quasi-experimental design was used. Results The contraception. STD/AIDS related knowledge and attitudes improved significantly, and the use of condom also increased significantly in experimental group after the intervention. No such changes occurred in control group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the peer-led education is an effective approvach of expanding reproductive health and AIDS prevention services to unmarried young adults in the joint venture factories.

The second demographic transition:also a 21st century Asian challenge?

This introduction aims at placing the unfolding sub-patterns of the Asian“Second Demographic Transition”(SDT)in a global context by contrasting them with those of societies with other than patriarchal histories.Firstly,fertility transitions to below-replacement level can be achieved as part of the first“altruistic”transition without any SDT traits being present.Secondly,Asian societies are by no means immune to genuine SDT developments,as illustrated by the emergence and spread of pre-marital cohabitation.Thirdly,the SDT cohabitation pattern is still conservative:it is followed by marriage,pregnancies result in shotgun marriages or abortions,and parenthood within consensual unions remains rare.Also divorce rates are low.But it is also argued that all Asian cases are still at the beginning of the possible SDT evolution or have barely started it,and that old ways can die off rather quickly with the succession of generations.Finally,it is shown that the cultural component,i.e.the“Willingness”condition,can act as a bottleneck slowing down the transition to a new pattern of behaviour.We therefore illustrate on a global scale how the spread of cohabitation is part of a broader ethical revolution stressing individual rather than societal discretion in matters of life and death.On the basis of these profiles we expect stronger resistance to SDT patterns of partnerhip formation in Hindu and Muslim societies.