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Cited by 10Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive HealthReproductive Health and ContraceptionAdolescent Health and Behaviors

A qualitative study of risks and protective factors against pregnancy among sexually-active adolescents in soweto, South Africa

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Bosire, Edna N., Chiseri, Katharine, Comeau, Dawn L., Richter, Linda, Stein, Aryeh D., Norris, Shane A.·2021·PLOS Global Public Health
DOI 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000044PMC PMC10021750
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Abstract

Risky sexual behaviors contribute to increased risk of adolescent pregnancy. This qualitative study sought to understand risks and protective factors against pregnancy amongst sexually-active adolescents in Soweto, South Africa. We used purposive sampling to recruit women at age 24 years from Soweto, who self-reported having sexual debut by age 15 years. Twenty women were recruited: (i) women who did not become pregnant before 18 years (n = 10) and (ii) women who became pregnant before 18 years (n = 10). In-depth interviews were conducted to understand their family backgrounds, conversations about sex, sexual behaviors, and initiatives taken (or not) during adolescence to prevent pregnancy. Both groups of women reported predisposing risks to early pregnancy including influence from peers to engage in early sex, unstable family relationships and limited conversations about sex. We found that the family is a key institution in supporting adolescents’ decisions regarding their behaviors and choices, as are peers and exposures to information. Community Youth Centers, high schools and Youth Friendly Health Services should ensure that adolescents have access to relevant information, including sex education and contraceptives.

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Sorted by citations

Authors
Bosire, E. N., Chiseri, K., Comeau, D. L., Richter, L., Stein, A. D., & Norris, S. A.
Affiliations
  • South African Medical Research Council (ZA)
  • Emory University (US)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
Corresponding author
Bosire, Edna N.
ORCID
Venue
PLOS Global Public Health
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Published
2021-11-10
Volume
1
Issue
11
Pages
e0000044
ISSN
2767-3375 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1371/journal.pgph.0000044
PMC
PMC10021750
OpenAlex
W3211883094
Cited by
10
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 3
FWCI
1.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • PLOS Global Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ePrints Soton (University of Southampton) (acceptedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • South African Medical Research Council
  • Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Reproductive Health and Contraception
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Adolescent Health and Behaviors
Keywords
adolescent pregnancy, early sexual initiation, sexual risk behavior, protective factors, family influence, peer influence, sex education, contraceptive access, youth-friendly health services, Soweto

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