Adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries: an overview of trends and interventions.

Today there are more than one billion 10-19 year olds 70% of whom live in developing nations. They are growing up with greater access to formal education an increasing need for computer skills and Internet literacy different job opportunities and more exposure to new ideas through media telecommunications and other avenues. The environment in which young people are making decisions related to sexual and reproductive health is also rapidly evolving. Rates of sexual initiation during young adulthood are rising or remaining unchanged in many developing countries; childbearing and marriage are increasingly unlinked; and in many countries high HIV prevalence adds to the risks associated with early sexual activity.