Evidence on Family Planning Use in Young People of Tanzania

Abstract

Adolescents (aged 10–19 years) and youth (aged 15–24 years) face a multitude of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks that, if not managed, will have consequences that follow them into adulthood. The United Republic of Tanzania has the second youngest population in East Africa, with a median age of the population being 18 years. It is one of the developing countries where HIV/AIDS, school dropouts and early pregnancies have been affecting youth in general, as well as secondary school students at large. Although most data on family planning available for young people includes the age range under 25 years (i.e. adolescents aged 10–19 years, and youth aged 15–24 years), this rapid review focuses on data for 15-19 year olds. Recent monitoring data is found for both male and female adolescents, although most evidence is from grey literature, which focuses on females. The report synthesises evidence available on the sexual and reproductive health knowledge, family planning use, attitudes and barriers amongst young people in general, women with disabilities and young people living with HIV infection in Tanzania. K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was commissioned by the UK Department for International Development