Abstract
Teenagers in the US have poorer sexual health indicators than their peers in most countries of western Europe. In 1998 and again in 1999, two study tours were conducted. Adolescent health experts, teen journalists, and graduate students examined factors contributing to lower rates of teen pregnancy, STDs, and other indicators in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Participants examined media campaigns and social marketing strategies; reproductive and sexual health services for youth; sexuality education in schools; reproductive and sexual health policies; and the impact of family, community, and religion on adolescent sexual health. This article presents the findings, discusses the impacts on professional practice among the participants, and presents recommendations for US public health policy
