Risk and Protective Factors for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Developing Countries
Fundamental risk and protective factors, associated with adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes, can be explained in three different levels. At the individual level, being married, older, having employment, and drinking alcohol were all key risk factors, whereas having a higher level of education was protective factor in terms of adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes. At the partner level, having experienced forced sex with their first sexual partner was a key risk factor, whereas adolescents who were able to discuss reproductive health issues with sexual partners was protective. At the family level, urban residence and orphan status were key risk factors.
The main aim of this review was to identify and summarize the key risk and protective factors that are associated with adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes in developing countries. This study identified nine cross-cutting risk and protective factors related to more than one outcome. Most studies that were conducted on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries were largely focused in Sub-Saharan African contexts, and primarily examined factors related to sexual initiation and condom use. Because of the HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are the most studied when it comes to adolescent sexual and reproductive outcomes. There is a significant gap in the literature related to abortion whereas there has been an increase over the past decade in studies related to sexual coercion among adolescents.
Reference:
Mmari, K., & Sabherwal, S. (2013). A review of risk and protective factors for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries: an update. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(5), 562-572.