A systematic review of the South African work on the well-being of young people (2000–2016)

Abstract

Burgeoning research on the well-being of young people in recent years has made it difficult to identify conceptual gaps in the literature. We conducted a review of South African research in this area to better understand the use and measurement of the construct, as well as factors associated with it. The search of multiple databases identified 28 studies published in academic journals between 2000 and 2016. Within this period, studies that referred to well-being and its related subjective components varied significantly in terms of how they defined and operationalised these constructs, resulting in a fragmented body of work. The review highlights the need for a coherent research agenda in this area given the centrality of well-being research in promoting optimal outcomes in young people. Recommendations for strengthening South African research in this area are provided.

Individual and Community-Level Factors Associated With Intention to Use Contraceptives Among Reproductive Age Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Even the intention to use contraceptives improves the health of children, women, families, and whole societies [ 7 ]. In sub-Saharan Africa, unintended pregnancies, high fertility, and abortion are still challenges for women of reproductive age [ 8 ].…”

Predictors of unmet need for contraception among adolescent girls and young women in selected high fertility countries in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel mixed effects analysis

“…In SSA, most young people are growing up in poor settings that are associated with high unemployment rates, rapid urbanization, often limited educational opportunities, and rapidly changing socio-cultural norms and practices [5,6]. Apart from these general challenges, the female population has to do deal with several sexual and reproductive issues, including unintended pregnancies, high fertility and abortions [7,8].…”

Opportunities to advance measurement of adolescent wellbeing: building on a new conceptual framework

“…14 A systematic review of studies in South Africa indicated increasing interest and work on wellbeing of young people in that country. 15 In the United Kingdom, the Office for National Statistics regularly reports on the wellbeing of children and adolescents up to age 15 years, using 31 indicators across seven domains. 16 We found no single example of a comprehensive measurement approach aligned with the Adolescent Wellbeing Framework.…”