Psychological and social consequences include limited educational and job options, economic burden and negative effects on children of young parents. High risk is primarily due to behaviors such as multiple partners and non-use of condoms. Each year at least 2 million young women worldwide have unsafe abortions. Three out of five entering hospitals with abortion complications in Africa, Asia and Latin America are under age 20. Providers need to be aware of how their own beliefs can affect the services they provide.
Family members can also be good sources of information.
Open discussions of sexuality by providers can lead to more responsible sexual behavior. Providers often have negative attitudes about sexually active youth, which can limit their ability to meet the needs of young people. To serve youth, providers need to be open, honest, show respect and have good communication skills, including reflective listening and asking open-ended questions. Provider confidentiality is very important to youth. Programs that result in changed sexual behaviors include not only information, but also skill-building and practice in communication and negotiation.