Background: Sexual and reproductive risky behaviour among youth has been extensively studied, with various interconnected factors identified as contributing influences. While these factors are well documented in existing literature, there remains a lack of comprehensive, integrated data that specifically highlight their impact within the African context. Aim: This aimed to review and synthesize the existing literature on the factors influencing the sexual and reproductive risky behaviour among youth in Africa. Method: This scoping review was guided by the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. The framework consists of five key steps, including identifying the research question, searching for relevant studies, selecting eligible studies, charting the data, and summarizing and reporting the findings. Results: Nineteen articles were included in the review subsequent to a systematic search of the literature. The review highlighted educational and awareness, cultural, environmental and contextual, socioeconomic and sexual risk practices as factors contributing to the sexual and reproductive risky behaviour among youth in Africa. The findings of this scoping review have several important implications for policy, practice, and future research. They highlight the urgent need for the development and reform of national and regional policies that prioritize adolescent SRH(Sexual and reproductive health). They confirm that many African countries still lack youth-friendly SRH policies that are inclusive, rights-based, and responsive to the needs of diverse youth populations. The limited accessibility and quality of SRH services for youth, particularly in rural and underserved areas, point to systemic weaknesses in healthcare delivery. The review further highlights a gap in parent–youth communication on SRH issues, which has implications for intergenerational dialogue and value transmission. Interventions aimed at strengthening family involvement in SRH education are vital. Conclusions: At a foundation level, more research is required to gain new insights, discover new ideas, and/or increase knowledge of factors influencing the relationship between risky sexual behaviour and youth.
Author Contributions
K.R., M.M.R. and M.M.M. were involved in designing the study and screening the records. They had unrestricted access to the data and analyses, contributed to interpreting the findings, and provided critical feedback on the manuscript. They maintained complete oversight of the research process, including the final decision to submit the manuscript for publication. K.R. took the lead in writing the literature review, methodology, discussion, conclusion, recommendations, and limitations sections, and was responsible for submitting the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
Data is available from the researcher upon a reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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