Qualitative evidence on adolescents' views of sexual and reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa

Increased education and more mass media programmes needed to address HIV among adolescents

By: Amuyunzu-Myamongo M, Biddlecom A, Ouedraogo C & Woog V
Produced by: Alan Guttmacher Institute , 2005

This study examines how young people in sub-Saharan Africa view sexual and reproductive health issues. It also explores what they think about sources of sexual and reproductive health information and services. Findings show that young people are aware that they may be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, but the quality and depth of their knowledge varies and misconceptions persist. The study also found that a young woman’s right to negotiate condom use was dependent on whether she had received money or gifts. Abstinence was seen as a means of preventing HIV although there was little consensus on how realistic this option was.