Reproductive Health Risk and Protective Factors among Unmarried Youth in Ghana

Abstract

The findings provide further justification for interventions targeting key contextual factors that influence youth behaviors in addition to providing youth with necessary communication, negotiation and other life skills.

Predictors of Condom Use Among Young Adults in South Africa: The Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit National Youth Survey

“…Previous studies examining condom use among South African youths by city, 6 district, 7 state, 8 or by selected populations 9 have shown that condom use is affectedeither negatively or positively-by factors such as self-efficacy (an individual's belief in his or her capacity to engage in the behaviors necessary to attain specific goals) 10,11 perceived risk, 12,13 knowledge of one's HIV status, 14 and early age at sexual debut. 15 Furthermore, both traditionally "high-risk" units, creating a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 15 to 24 years in all 9 provinces of South Africa.…”

Protected or Unprotected Sex: The Conceptions and Attitudes of the Youth in Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana

“…The qualitative interviews with young people and adults in the present study-which revealed young peoples' feelings, fears, shyness, and dilemmas regarding protected and unprotected sex, condom use, and premarital sexual abstinence-contribute to a better understanding of their premarital sexual behavior. Understanding the influencing factors that motivate young males and females to have protected or unprotected sex, and understanding these factors in specific contexts, can contribute to the development of more tailored and effective SRH education to protect young people from the adverse consequences of engaging in unprotected sex (Darteh et al 2014;Karim et al 2003;Madise et al 2007). …”

“…This insight could contribute to the development of more tailored and effective sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs to protect young males and females from the adverse consequences of having sex without contraceptive methods (Darteh et al 2014;Karim et al 2003;AwusaboAsare and Annim 2008;Madise et al 2007).…”

Family planning dialogue: Identifying the key determinants of young women’s use and selection of contraception in Namibia

“…Likewise, these authoritative figures are often unwilling or unable to provide comprehensive, accurate, age-appropriate reproductive health information to young people. This is partly due to their discomfort in discussing the subjects of sex or reproduction or to the erroneous view that providing any information on these topics will encourage increased sexual activity (Karim et al, 2003). Because of such factors, many young women enter into sexual relationships with insufficient insight into the consequences of sexual encounters and with limited knowledge of protective measures against pregnancy.…”

“…Fathers of young girls were usually unhappy, believing that the conversations encouraged young women to contemplate early experimentation. In their view too much talking was part of the problem and not the solution to teenage pregnancy (see also Karim et al, 2003). The comments below illustrate the awkward space in which parent-child relations are being reworked in present-day Namibia:…”