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186and ineffective use of barrier contraceptives 8 and the decreased value placed on virginity. 9 To date, however, few studies have investigated young people's perceptions of the problem.To design appropriate interventions, it is important to know about adolescents' knowledge of and experience with STDs and about their health-seeking behavior related to STDs. For example, we need information about adolescents' knowledge of and attitudes toward using condoms for STD prevention, their use of various types of health providers for the treatment of STDs and their attitudes toward partner notification. It is widely recognized that Nigerian adolescents do not use existing reproductive health services. 10 This poor utilization of public services is probably largely attributable to the fact that such services do not specifically address the needs and concerns of adolescents.Eliciting adolescents' views on reproductive health in communities where sexuality is not openly discussed can be problematic. A quantitative research design yields limited information on this complex Miriam J. Temin is a population and reproductive health officer/Michigan international development associate

The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues-from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world.

Evaluations of community-based girl groups (CBGGs) programs-sometimes called safe spaces-reported positive effects on girl-level outcomes that are independent of external factors and suboptimal performance on health behavior and health status. nThe limited evidence available shows that CBGGs have the potential to contribute to adolescent girls' empowerment; complementary activities are needed to mitigate risk.

Within South Africa's HIV epidemic, foreign migrant adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face unique challenges in an environment typified by xenophobia and structural inequity. The intersection of age, gender, and migrant-related factors creates threats that may exacerbate their HIV risk, including discrimination, limited social capital, and economic dependency. This paper explores HIV-related determinants of risk from the perspective of foreign migrant AGYW who participated in a Girls' Club project implemented by Community Media Trust. Within clubs, foreign migrant AGYW met weekly with a female mentor to discuss HIV, safety planning, financial literacy, and other topics. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with club members and parents to learn about pressing challenges in a context characterized by early sexual debut, high rates of teenage pregnancy, and relationships typified by material exchange. FGDs addressed HIV risk factors such as social isolation and limited access to services, exacerbated by migrant-related stigma and discrimination and lack of identity documents. The foreign migrant AGYW appreciated the role of the Girls' Clubs and mentors in helping them overcome barriers to school and health services as well as building their social and other assets. FGD results indicate that HIV prevention in South Africa should prioritize action to address the specific determinants of foreign migrant AGYW's HIV risk, as well as inclusive policies that recognize migrants' heterogeneity based on gender and age.