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Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 26385

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman

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Guest Editor

International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Interests: women's health and rights; sexual and reproductive health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical and psychological growth and expansion, during which new capacities are developed and social relationships, roles, expectations, and responsibilities change, all of which determine adulthood and impact the next generation. However, threats to adolescent health around the globe such as early and forced marriage, violence, unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, mental illness, and risky lifestyles impede progress toward the demographic dividend. While adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (AYSRHR) have improved in some areas, progress is uneven, with many being left behind. There remains an issue of governance and prioritization, emphasizing the need for mobilization and making full use of political and social support for issues facing young people.

The scope of this Special Issue is to develop need-based and evidence- informed resolutions to strengthen the multi-sectorial approach to adolescent and youth health and wellbeing policies and strategies development, to support a collaborative platform to provide evidence-based strategies, practices, and policies, to discuss commitments needed to implement and to have young leaders in the pilot seat.

With this background, this Special Issue of IJERPH focuses on the current state of AYSRHR. Submitted manuscripts can be both original research and theoretical reviews, in both cases focusing on practical implications. Papers about the evaluation of interventions aimed at improving AYSRHR are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

adolescence
sexual and reproductive health
rights
wellbeing

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilisation of Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Surveys

by James Tetteh-Boawolor Ehiawey, Adom Manu, Emefa Modey, Deda Ogum, Edgar Atuhaire and Kwasi Torpey

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050526 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 664

Abstract

Early pubertal development induces early sexual activities among adolescents. In Ghana, despite the high sexual activity among Ghanaian adolescents, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are underutilised, primarily due to SRH stigma and a lack of SRH knowledge and information. This study examined the use of SRH services among adolescents aged 15–19 years in Ghana over a ten year period. The study utilised data from the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Surveys (GMHSs). Responses from 2056 and 4909 adolescent females captured in the 2007 and 2017 GMHSs, respectively, were used. The results showed a declining utilisation of SRH services among adolescents from 28.3% in 2007 to 22.5% in 2017. The odds of using family planning among sexually active adolescents increased from 2007 [AOR-0.32, CI-(0.135, 0.77), p < 0.001] to 2017 [AOR-68.62, CI-(36.104, 130.404), p < 0.001]. With increasing age at first sex, adolescents were less likely to use a family planning method in 2007 [AOR-0.94, CI-(0.89,0.99) p < 0.001], but this improved in 2017 [AOR-1.26, CI-(1.220, 1.293), p < 0.001]. Despite this, knowledge of sources for family planning was found to predict its lower utilisation in both 2007 [AOR = 0.15 (95% CI-0.081, 0.283), p < 0.0001] and 2017 [AOR = 0.206 (95% CI-(0.099, 0.426), p < 0.001]. The findings show that even though knowledge of family planning methods predicted low utilisation, knowledge of sources, age at first sex, and educational level positively predicted the utilisation of SRH services from 2007 to 2017. Opportunities for both enhancing the clinical environment and health provider attitudes exist and should be explored for improving SRH outcomes among sexually active adolescents in Ghana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

18 pages, 1483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Barriers to Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents and Young People with Physical Disabilities in South Africa

by Bheki Mathabela, Sphiwe Madiba and Perpetua Modjadji

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020199 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1446

Abstract

Despite South Africa having a progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policy framework, adolescents and young people with disabilities (AYPWDs) are less likely to receive sexual and reproductive healthcare, being consequently predisposed to a long-term detrimental impact on their health. Our study explored the barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHSs) in clinics among AYPWDs in Mpumalanga, South Africa. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with twenty-seven AYPWDs in four focus group discussions using semi-structured interviews, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and then applied a thematic analysis of the data. Employing a socio-ecological model, the findings show a poor socioeconomic status, lack of information on SRH, and the attitudes of AYPWDs as barriers at the individual level, hindering AYPWDs from accessing SRHSs in clinics. AYPWDs also faced difficulties to talk about SRH with parents, a lack of support to seek SRHSs, improper care from family/parents, and negative attitudes of friends, at the interpersonal level. They further expressed barriers at the community/societal level as negative attitudes of non-disabled community members and poor infrastructure for wheelchair use. At the organization level, their access to SRHSs was negatively affected by HCWs’ maltreatment, described in the forms of negative attitudes, being judgmental using verbal abuse, discrimination, and bullying. Furthermore, AYPWDs described difficulties in communication with HCWs, as well as violating their confidentiality and misconceived ideas on their sexuality. Intensified efforts to strengthen public health strategies are needed to improve access to SRHSs by AYPWDs in South Africa, as well as enhancing the proficiency and communication skills of HCWs and educating AYPWDs, parents, and non-disabled community members on SRH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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14 pages, 2663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Impact of Religious Affiliation and Strength of Religiosity on Sexual Health Practices of Sexually Active Female College Students

by Emily Glazer, Emma Valdez, Justin A. DeBlauw and Stephen J. Ives

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(22), 7075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20227075 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1381

Abstract

Despite great strides in the development of contraceptive technologies, the United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world. Religion and associated values may shape the sexual health behaviors of college students, as prior studies have aimed to determine how social factors may influence the use of contraception amongst college students. Thus, we sought to examine the differences in current contraceptive methods and the age of first contraceptive usage among sexually active female college students with different religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in current contraceptive methods among different religious affiliations and strengths of religions and that there would be a difference in the age of first contraceptive usage among different religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. Two hundred and twenty-four college-aged females completed a 20-question survey about sexual health and religious practices. Chi-squared tests were implemented to determine the frequencies of responses across religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. Significant differences in the frequency of responses for the age of first contraceptive usage were observed across different strengths of religiosity (p = 0.016) and for the self-perceived impact of religion on sexual health across different religious affiliations (p = 0.033) and strengths of religiosity (p = 0.005). All other differences were found not to be statistically significant. It was determined that increased strengths of religiosity resulted in delayed onset of contraceptive usage and that both different religious affiliations and greater strengths of religiosity lead to different self-perceived impacts of religion on sexual health despite low levels of current practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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15 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Examination of Which Married Young Women Use Contraception to Delay a First Pregnancy in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India

by Ilene S. Speizer, A. J. Francis Zavier, Lisa M. Calhoun, Gwyn Hainsworth and David K. Guilkey

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156504 - 2 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1124

Abstract

Early marriage and childbearing put young women and their babies at risk of poor health and well-being. This study uses two rounds of longitudinal data from young women ages 15–19 in 2015–2016 and followed in 2018–2019 to determine factors associated with contraceptive use before a first pregnancy among young, married women in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India. Discrete time hazard models were used to analyze time to first use starting from the month of marriage. Overall, use of contraception prior to a first pregnancy was low in this sample (between 12 to 20% used before a first pregnancy). Young women who reported that someone discussed the importance of delaying a first birth at the time of marriage were significantly more likely to have used a method of family planning (FP) before a first pregnancy than those who did not receive this information. Further, women who discussed FP with their husband before a first pregnancy were more likely to use contraception. Finally, among recently married young women, those who experienced pressure to have a child were less likely to use before a first pregnancy. As young women recognize the advantages of delaying a first birth and adopt FP to meet their needs, social norms around early childbearing will slowly adjust and early use to delay a first pregnancy will become more normative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

15 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Girls in Ghizer, Gilgit, Pakistan

by Sanober Fazal Shah, Neelam Saleem Punjani, Syeda Naghma Rizvi, Sana Sadiq Sheikh and Rafat Jan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146424 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5672

Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene is a critical issue encountered by women and girls of reproductive age that negatively affects their health and empowerment. It is still deemed a taboo subject in several parts of the world, and girls hesitate to discuss menstruation with their family members, friends, or schoolteachers, which creates hurdles when they experience their menarche. Girls residing in rural areas encounter more problems, since they lack proper resources and knowledge to manage their menstruation in school as well as at home. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the menstrual hygiene of girls residing in rural areas of Gilgit, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess the study questions. The consecutive sampling technique was applied to recruit 300 female participants from remote areas of Gilgit, Pakistan, who were 13 to 22 years old. A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to collect the data, and SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze them. Results: The study found that more than half of the participants had a poor level of knowledge and practices and negative attitudes towards menstrual hygiene. This could be due to many cultural and social factors associated with menstrual hygiene. Conclusions: The study concluded that the study participants were not knowledgeable about menstrual hygiene. They had poor practices and attitudes regarding menstrual hygiene. Hence, it is recommended that frequent sessions should be conducted by healthcare workers to enhance the knowledge of parents, teachers, and young girls, to increase their positive attitudes and practices regarding menstrual hygiene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

16 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivators and Influencers of Adolescent Girls’ Decision Making Regarding Contraceptive Use in Four Districts of Zambia

by Mumbi Chola, Khumbulani W. Hlongwana and Themba G. Ginindza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043614 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1862

Abstract

Low contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa, and Zambia specifically, negates the potential benefits of contraception in preventing unwanted and early pregnancies. This study aimed to explore and understand the motivators and influencers of adolescent girls’ contraceptive decision making. Using thematic analysis, we analysed qualitative data from seven focus group discussions and three key informant interviews with adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years in four Zambian districts. The data were managed and organised using NVivo version 12 pro (QSR International). Fear of pregnancy, fear of diseases, fear of having more children, and spacing of children (especially among married adolescents) were key motivators for adolescents’ contraceptive use. Friends and peers motivated them to use contraceptives while fear of side effects and fear of infertility drove non-use. Peer pressure and fear of mocking by their friends were important deterrents to contraceptive use. Parents, peers and friends, family members, partners, churches, and religious groups influenced adolescent girls’ contraceptive decisions. Mixed messages from these influencers, with some in favour and others against contraceptives, make adolescents’ decisions to use contraceptives complex. Therefore, interventions targeting increased contraceptive use should be all-inclusive, incorporating multiple influencers, including at institutional and policy levels, to empower adolescents and give them autonomy to make contraceptive decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

12 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Sexual Initiation Is Associated with Suicide Attempts among Chinese Young People

by Jianing Ren, Xinran Qi, Wenzhen Cao, Zhicheng Wang, Yueping Guo, Junjian Gaoshan, Xiao Liang and Kun Tang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073966 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between early sexual initiation and suicide attempts (SAs) among Chinese young people. Our analysis included 9131 college students who had sexual experience from a national sample of 31 provincial administrative regions. Self-reported age at first intercourse was categorized as ≤15, 15–18, and ≥18 years, and the experience of SAs was recorded and analyzed. Compared with females whose sexual debut age was ≥18 years, those ≤15 years (defined as early sexual initiation) had higher odds of SAs in both the forced debut group (odds ratio (OR) 17.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.87–59.66) and the voluntary debut group (OR 37.63, 95% CI 14.96–94.66). Early sexual initiators who lived in rural areas were more inclined to have SAs (female: OR 65.76, 95% CI 19.80–218.42; male: OR 15.39, 95% CI 1.64–144.19). Early sexual initiators who never had parent–child communication about sex were more likely to report having SAs (female: OR 37.81, 95% CI 12.28–116.46). Sexual debut during adolescence, particularly early sexual initiation, was a crucial risk factor for SAs among both sexes. Comprehensive sexuality education and smooth parental communication about sex will provide a supportive environment for young people and hence reduce the potential risks of SAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

Review

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16 pages, 1225 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mapping Evidence Regarding Decision-Making on Contraceptive Use among Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

by Mumbi Chola, Khumbulani W. Hlongwana and Themba G. Ginindza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032744 - 3 Feb 2023

Viewed by 2283

Abstract

This scoping review mapped and synthesised existing evidence on the influence of individual, parental, peer, and societal-related factors on adolescents’ decisions to use contraception in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Peer-reviewed and review articles published before May 2022, targeting adolescents aged 10–19 years were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE with Full Text via EBSCOhost, PsychINFO via EBSCOhost, CINAHL with Full Text via EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Seven studies were included and analysed using thematic analysis based on the social-ecological model (SEM) and reported using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Individual (fear of side effects, fear of infertility), parental (parental disappointment and disapproval), peer (social stigma), partner (association with promiscuity and multiple sexual partners), societal and community (contraceptive use disapproval and stigma), and institutional and environmental factors (lack of privacy and confidentiality) influence contraceptive decisions among adolescents. These also include a lack of accurate information, social exclusion, negative health provider attitudes, and a lack of infrastructure that provides privacy and safe spaces. Identifying and addressing core issues within the context of local cultural practices that restrict contraceptive use is important. Holistic, inclusive approaches that promote the well-being of adolescents must be utilised to provide a conducive environment that ensures privacy, confidentiality, safety, and easy access to contraceptive services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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29 pages, 1364 KiB

Open AccessReview

Structural Interventions to Enable Adolescent Contraceptive Use in LMICs: A Mid-Range Theory to Support Intervention Development and Evaluation

by Helen Elizabeth Denise Burchett, Sally Griffin, Málica de Melo, Joelma Joaquim Picardo, Dylan Kneale and Rebecca S. French

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114414 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Enabling contraceptive use is critical for addressing high adolescent pregnancy rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Broader or ‘upstream’ determinants, such as poverty, education, and social norms, can affect the knowledge, attitudes, motivation, and ability to access and use contraception. Structural interventions aim to address these broader determinants, e.g., through poverty alleviation from livelihood training or cash transfers, increasing school participation, or changing social norms. We conducted an evidence synthesis using intervention component analysis, a case-based approach, following a systematic mapping of the evidence base. We identified 17 studies with 29 structural intervention arms, which reported adolescent contraceptive use outcomes compared to a control group or baseline. It was not possible to identify with certainty which interventions were ‘likely effective’ or ‘likely ineffective’ due to the high heterogeneity of the methods. We built on an existing framework of family planning use to propose three steps to designing interventions: (1) tailor interventions to adolescents’ life stages; (2) assess the baseline situation; and (3) select appropriate activities to match the gaps. These steps will aid developers and evaluators of structural adolescent contraceptive interventions to develop an evidence base that is of use across a wide range of settings and use scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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31 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessReview

Which Structural Interventions for Adolescent Contraceptive Use Have Been Evaluated in Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

by Helen Elizabeth Denise Burchett, Dylan Kneale, Sally Griffin, Málica de Melo, Joelma Joaquim Picardo and Rebecca S. French

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811715 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3103

Abstract

Reducing adolescent childbearing is a global priority, and enabling contraceptive use is one means of achieving this. Upstream factors, e.g., gender inequalities, fertility norms, poverty, empowerment and schooling, can be major factors affecting contraceptive use. We conducted a systematic map to understand which structural adolescent contraception interventions targeting these upstream factors have been evaluated in LMICs. We searched eight academic databases plus relevant websites and a 2016 evidence gap map and screened references based on set inclusion criteria. We screened 6993 references and included 40 unique intervention evaluations, reported in 138 papers. Seventeen evaluations were reported only in grey literature. Poverty reduction/economic empowerment interventions were the most common structural intervention, followed by interventions to increase schooling (e.g., through legislation or cash transfers) and those aiming to change social norms. Half of the evaluations were RCTs. There was variation in the timing of endline outcome data collection and the outcome measures used. A range of structural interventions have been evaluated for their effect on adolescent contraceptive use/pregnancy. These interventions, and their evaluations, are heterogenous in numerous ways. Improved understandings of how structural interventions work, as well as addressing evaluation challenges, are needed to facilitate progress in enabling adolescent contraceptive use in LMICs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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22 pages, 857 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring and Monitoring Privacy, Confidentiality, and Provider Bias in Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Provision to Young People: A Narrative Review

by Andrew G. Corley, Andrea Sprockett, Dominic Montagu and Nirali M. Chakraborty

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116576 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

Purpose: Poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias are believed to compromise adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health service quality. The results of focus group discussions with global youth leaders and sexual and reproductive health implementing organizations indicated that poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias serve as key barriers to care access for the youth. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to describe how poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias impose barriers on young people seeking sexual and reproductive health services and to examine how point of service evaluations have assessed these factors. Results: 4544 peer-reviewed publications were screened, of which 95 met the inclusion criteria. To these articles, another 16 grey literature documents were included, resulting in a total of 111 documents included in the review. Conclusion: Poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias represent significant barriers for young people seeking sexual and reproductive health services across diverse geographic and sociocultural contexts. The authors found that present evaluation methods do not appropriately account for the importance of these factors and that new performance improvement indicators are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

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