Gender norms and ideologies about adolescent sexuality: A mixed-method study of adolescents in communities, south-eastern, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundSexual and reproductive health choices and behaviors of adolescents are shaped by gender norms and ideologies which are grounded in cultural beliefs. This study examined the perspectives of adolescents about the influence of gender norms and ideologies on sexuality.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in three urban and three rural communities in south-eastern Nigeria using quantitative and qualitative research methods. A modified cluster sampling procedure was used to select respondents. Data were collected from 1,057 adolescents and twelve focus group discussions with unmarried adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. For the quantitative data, univariate, bivariate and probit regression analyses were performed using Stata while the thematic framework approach was used to analyze qualitative data.ResultsThe dominant beliefs among adolescents are that: it is wrong for unmarried adolescents to have sex (86.4%); unmarried adolescents should abstain from sex (89.3%); consent should be obtained before sexual intercourse (89.1%); it is a girl's responsibility to ensure she does not get pregnant (66.5%), and sex should be initiated by boys (69.6%). Gender (boy or girl) was a predictor of belief in premarital abstinence (t-value = −3.88), belief that premarital sexual intercourse is acceptable provided contraceptive is used (t-value = 3.49, CI 1.14–0.49), belief that premarital sexual intercourse is wrong (t-value = −2.24) and, belief that sex should be initiated by boys only (t-value = −4.37). Adolescent boys were less likely to believe in pre-marital abstinence and less likely to believe that pre-marital sex among adolescents is wrong compared to girls. They were also more likely to believe adolescents can have sex provided contraceptive is used compared to girls. Qualitative findings revealed adolescents' beliefs that girls feel shy initiating sex and that boys experience more urge for sex hence, boys were perceived to be responsible for initiating sex. Both boys and girls experience pressure to have sex however, boys were described to experience more pressure from peers to have sex. Peer-to-peer communication, quest for material possessions and low socioeconomic conditions contribute to peer pressure to engage in sex.ConclusionAdolescents' beliefs about sexuality underline the need to contextualize interventions to address these norms and ideologies.

Factors influencing adoption of sexual and reproductive health intervention for adolescents in Ebonyi, Nigeria

“…The community leaders were also visited. The advocacy team leveraged the monthly meeting of the Council of Traditional Rulers (CTR) to present key findings from the situation analysis on sociocultural influences on adolescent SRH and the roles of traditional rulers in addressing sociocultural barriers to accessing SRH information and services for adolescents [ 23 – 25 ]. Support was also sought from traditional rulers in implementing the intervention.…”

Role of sociocultural beliefs/norms on level of access and uptake of contraceptives among unmarried adolescent girls in Nigeria: A systematic review study

“…Adolescents in Nigeria acknowledged the possibility of an agreed adolescent sex, but a substantial 66.5% believed it was solely the girl's duty to avoid pregnancy after sexual intercourse. 10 This belief and attitude are linked to traditional gender norms in Nigeria, where female sexuality is shaped by a deep-rooted belief perpetuating an unequal power dynamic, reinforcing male dominance, and emphasizing independence in sexual relationships. 10 These beliefs identified in this study highlight a significant discrepancy in expectations regarding the roles of male and female adolescents in sexual relationships, despite the general societal expectation that sex should wait until marriage.…”

“…10 This belief and attitude are linked to traditional gender norms in Nigeria, where female sexuality is shaped by a deep-rooted belief perpetuating an unequal power dynamic, reinforcing male dominance, and emphasizing independence in sexual relationships. 10 These beliefs identified in this study highlight a significant discrepancy in expectations regarding the roles of male and female adolescents in sexual relationships, despite the general societal expectation that sex should wait until marriage. 11 This finding is further highlighted by the percentage of adolescent boys reported to be engaging in sex compared to girls in Nigeria, further illustrating the subtle impact of societal expectations on adolescent sexuality and rights.…”

A qualitative assessment of the impact of a community-embedded intervention on beneficiaries' attitudes and beliefs about adolescent sexual reproductive health in Ebonyi State, Southeast, Nigeria

“…These, and negative community norms and values make it difficult for them to access and utilize SRHS, despite national policies promoting these services for adolescents and young people [ 8 ]. Community norms include norms that unmarried boys and girls should abstain from sex until marriage, and that sex-related discussions should not be held with young people [ 9 , 10 ]. These norms discourage discussions relating to sex and sexuality because sexuality matters are regarded as taboo for young people, and sex is regarded as sacred and the exclusive reserve of the married [ 10 , 11 ].…”