BACKGROUND
Advancing Adolescent Health (A2H) is a USAID-supported program implemented by Plan International Bangladesh in Rangpur district that started in January 2016 and ended in January 2019. The study, in collaboration with MEASURE Evaluation/D4I, assessed the short-term effects of the A2H project on key program outcomes.
The assessment found that, the A2H program may have played a role in delaying marriage within a short period of time in the program area. In the program area, 82% of unmarried adolescents preferred to marry at age 20 or later, compared to 70% in the comparison area. Confidence among unmarried adolescents to be able to negotiate with parents to delay marriage was higher in the A2H program area. Adolescents were successful in delaying early marriages through negotiations with family members and engaging influential community members and local government representatives. In delaying first birth through discussion and contraceptive use, high confidence was seen among unmarried adolescent girls who participated in the A2H program. In the program area, 38% of unmarried girls and 13% of married girls aged 15-19 participated in the program.
OBJECTIVES
Assess the short-term effects of the A2H project (implemented by Plan Bangladesh) on key program outcomes on adolescents’ knowledge and attitude towards delaying marriage and first birth and seeking health information and services, including family planning.
STUDY AREA
Rangpur Sadar and Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur district (intervention)
Nawabgang upazila of Dinajpur district (comparison)
PARTNERS
MEASURE Evaluation
STATUS
Completed
DATE OF RESULTS DISSEMINATION
5 March 2019
FOCAL PERSON
Dr Quamrun Nahar quamrun@icddrb.org
RESOURCES
An assessment of Advancing Adolescent Health (A2H) program in Bangladesh
Policy Brief on Assessment of the A2H Program in Rangpur