Social influences and reproductive health of adolescents

• Main Author: Stanković Biljana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Serbian Sociological Association, Belgrade 2007-01-01
• Series: Sociološki Pregled
• Subjects: reproductive health; adolescents; social surrounding
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0085-6320/2007/0085-63200703327S.pdf

Reproductive health represents a state of complete physical, mental and social prosperity, and not just the absence of illness or weakness, and it refers to reproductive processes, functions and systems. Adolescents, young people from the age of ten to nineteen, are yet to achieve their reproductive function, thus their reproductive health and behavior are very significant both from the individual and social standpoint. Risky behavior, which represents the main cause of diseases that young people contract most often, in the field of sexuality often lead to unplanned pregnancies and abortions, as well as diseases from sexually transmitted infections. The extensiveness can be decreased by prevention. Reproductive health promotion, as well as general health promotion, understands a social surrounding that supports healthy behavior styles. Above all, the family, schoolmates, health and school systems, mass media, without neglecting the importance of economic, social and political security in society, political and legal solutions, as well as activities of nongovernmental, religious and other organizations. Their impact, in complex interaction, directly and indirectly influence youth behavior and determine the decisions they make regarding reproductive health.