The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) approves the conduct of the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) of the University of the Philippines Population Institute.

The YAFS is primarily designed as a cross-sectional survey to generate comprehensive nationally representative data on the reproductive health indicators and sexual and non-sexual risk behaviours of young Filipino adults ages 15 to 24 years old. It is also the only source of information regarding the reproductive health of male Filipino youth. The 2021 YAFS, also known as YAFS5, is the 5th series of YAFS which aims to generate updated estimates of adolescent reproductive health indicators, and their determinants and consequences at the national and regional levels. Specifically, the objectives of this undertaking are as follows:

• Analyze pertinent demographic trends by comparing data results with the previous survey;
• Produce updated information on other equally relevant aspects of adolescent and young people’s lives;
• Provide evidence-based information for pandemic-related policy and intervention targeting adolescent and young people; and
• Potentially contribute to the assessment of previous and current youth-related government and non-government programs and initiatives, and the creation of new policies and interventions.

The data items that will be gathered from the survey are as follows:

a. Household and Individual Characteristics;
b. Family Characteristics, and Relationships;
c. Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction;
d. School, Work & Community;
e. General Media Use;
f. Friendships, and Peer Influences;
g. Health & Lifestyle;
h. Marital Union and Dissolution;
i. Puberty, Dating & Sexual Practices;
j. Fertility & Contraception;
k. Knowledge & Attitude towards Marriage, Sex & Related Issues;
l. Reproductive and Sexual Health; and
m.  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related experiences

The YAFS5 will collect data from at least 14,000 Filipinos aged 15 to 24 years old, and about 14,000 households nationwide in September to November 2021. The results of the survey are scheduled to be released in October 2022. A total budget amounting to PhP 70 million will be utilized in the said survey.

This survey was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10625 to:

a. ensure sound design for data collection;
b. minimize the burden placed upon respondents;
c. effect economy in statistical data collection;
d. eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts; and
e. achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins the selected Filipino youth and young adolescents to support and participate in the conduct of YAFS5.

For further information on SSRCS, please contact the Statistical Standards Division (SSD) of the Standards Service (SS) with telephone numbers (02) 8376-1928 and (02) 8376-1931, and email addresses ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph or ssdss.staff@gmail.com.

DENNIS S. MAPA, Ph.D.
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General

See more at the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance Syystem (SSRCS) landing page.