A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environmental Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2001

Adolescents have been viewed as a healthy population segment, and have been accorded a low priority for health related interventions. However, there is growing recognition that for a combination of biological, psychological and social reasons adolescent indeed face both physical and mental health problems. These include those resulting from unprotected sexual activity and substance abuse. By interviewing thirty adolescents in focus group discussion and six in-depth interviews in Savannakhet Province, This study aimed to understand the influencing factors in a highrisk area, to access to their knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. In order to achieve these objectives exploratory research methodology was employed. The respondents were both those who are students and those who are out-ofschool adolescents. It can be concluded from the result of this study that the result of changing socio-economic conditions in the 1990s makes prediction of rapid HIV I AIDS in Savannakhet. One reason is thousands of Lao, adolescents' men and women are moving from subsistence farming into migrant wage labor. Many are traversing the Thai border in search of employment. Another reason is increasing number of people to entrance to the borderline province, while those people may bring with them STDs or HIV/AIDS to spread out the diseases by having unsafe sex. However, adolescents would have less risky to this situation if they have known first, how to prevent themselves from STDs and HIV. Second, to devalue on fashion trends (for girls especially). Third, how to avoid the pressure of their peer groups. Fourth, to change the believing about having sex experience (for boys especially) from the old generation. And finally are both at school and public rising alternative activities like sports and library for adolescents. All in all, the existing situation of Savanankhet Province suggests the urgent need for policy makers to improving it, recognize and take into account on adolescent sexual education, in order to increase prevention program. Mostly related to the socio-economic and environment changes. It seems that these changes are targeting to the unprepared adolescents following the new open up economic policy.