 November
11, 2003 - Bogota, Colombia
An understanding of adolescent sexual activity is fundamental
for a region like Latin America where undesired pregnancy,
induced abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV
are among the major problems of adolescent health. In
the last two decades, adolescent sexual activity has become
one of the world's principal research topics (Stern, 2002).
In the last few years, the "Family and Sexuality"
research group of Colombia's Universidad de los Andes
has been developing psychological research projects, all
of which are directed to the analysis of adolescent sexuality
and the related psychological and social factors. The
research shows that although significant prevention efforts
exist, a proportion of adolescents continue to practice
unsafe sex, such as, commencing sexual activity at younger
ages, having multiple sexual partners, and the inconsistent
use of contraceptives.
The study that was developed titled, "Sexual Activity
and Romantic Relations During Adolescence: A Few Explicative
Factors", has two fundamental purposes: (a) explore
the role of psychosocial factors that the previous study
presents in order to explain adolescent sexual development;
and (b) contribute to the understanding of adolescent
sexual development within the context of first romantic
relations.
By way of the global dialogue, the research results
were presented adopting a different approach. Instead
of adolescent sexual activity being treated as a problematic
behavior, it was treated as having the potential to
positively affect the physical, psychological and social
well being of adolescents in their sexual development.
The key speakers of the dialogue - Elvia Vargas Trujillo,
M.Ps., Psychologist of Colombia's Universidad de los
Andes and Fernando Barrera, M.A., Psychologist of Colombia's
National University - addressed a regional audience
made up of participants in Colombia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua
thanks to the videoconferencing technology. The speakers
presented the results of the research titled, "Sexual
Activity and Romantic Relations During Adolescence:
A Few Explicative Factors", during the dialogue.
Participants also made use of the interactivity and
exchanged Latin American experiences in the area of
adolescent sexuality with the speakers as well as with
other participating countries. The interactive session
also helped to promote health research in areas that
would strengthen sex education in Latin American countries.
In addition, practical suggestions and recommendations
were also shared for future research.
For additional information regarding this activity,
please contact Jorge Gamarra
(jo-gamar@uniandes.edu.co).
To learn about future GDLN activities in health related
topics, please contact Carmen Carpio (ccarpio@worldbank.org).
| 
