Grant: Project Grant - PA: Patient-Oriented Research: Early-Career Investigator

Pakistan currently has the highest proportion of the population under the age of 25 years. In addition, Pakistan also has the highest adolescent total fertility rate and a very high unmet need for family planning. Adolescents in Pakistan face many challenges in terms of sexual and reproductive health and rights and these include early marriage and childbearing, unmet need for contraception, unsafe abortion, and limited access to information related to sexual and reproductive health services. Despite recognizing adolescence as an important developmental period, research on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs and access to sexual and reproductive health information and care services among adolescents in Pakistan is scarce. In this study, we will explore the sexual and reproductive health knowledge, information needs, and priorities of adolescents in rural Pakistan and how to improve SRHR and empower adolescents to exercise their reproductive rights. A participatory action research framework will guide this study. This research project will be conducted in three stages: Stage 1: Establishment of youth advisory groups and identification and prioritization of SRHR and family planning concerns. Stage 2: Planning and co-design the intervention (i.e., SRHR and family planning advocacy Toolkit). Stage 3: Implementation and usability testing of advocacy Toolkit. This project builds on well-established relationships between researchers, clinicians, lady health workers, and communities of adolescents. This study will advance the limited knowledge base on SRHR knowledge and information needs of adolescents in rural Pakistan as well as the science underpinning participatory action research methods with adolescents. Engaging adolescents throughout the study will increase their involvement in SRHR and family planning care decision-making, expand efficiencies in SRH care utilization, and ultimately improve adolescents' SRH outcomes.