scholarly journals Prioritizing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescent girls and young women within HIV treatment and care services in emergency settings: a girl-centered agenda

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Roxo ◽  
M. Linda Mobula ◽  
Damilola Walker ◽  
Allison Ficht ◽  
Sarah Yeiser
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Care Services

scholarly journals Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Research, Policy, and Practice

SAGE Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824401985995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kammila Naidoo ◽  
Oluwafemi Adeagbo ◽  
Melanie Pleaner
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Diverse Range

Seventeen articles make up this special collection, covering a range of different, but cross-cutting themes. These highlight contemporary concerns in African research and scholarship about the factors configuring the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The articles interrogate contextual and cultural impediments, problematic representations, perceptions of vulnerabilities and rights, experiences of gender-based violence, coercive sex, unplanned motherhood—and agency, resistance and strategic interventions. While a diverse range of issues, theories, and methodologies are evident, all the articles reflect on how the circumstances of young women in Africa can be effectively improved to engender empowerment, good health, and personal and sexual autonomy.

scholarly journals Uptake of Contraception Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women PrEP Clients: Leveraging the Opportunity to Strengthen HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Pleaner ◽  
Zukiswa Fipaza ◽  
Khuthala Mabetha ◽  
Letitia Greener ◽  
Sydney Ncube ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Monitoring Data ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Routine Monitoring ◽  
New Guidelines ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

The introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention was a major breakthrough in South Africa (SA). While the initial introduction focused on issues such as the development and implementation of new guidelines, supply, and the development of demand creation strategies, the need to integrate PrEP services with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services has gained traction both globally and locally. Project PrEP was implemented in eight healthcare facilities and four mobile clinics in three provinces in SA. Using monitoring data from across the four project clusters, and 4,949 clients, over a 21-month period, we conducted an analysis of baseline routine monitoring data to examine contraceptive uptake in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) initiating PrEP at project sites. Two-thirds of women (62.3%, n = 3,083) reported the current use of contraception at baseline, with the most commonly used methods being hormonal injectables (61.9%, n = 1,829) and male condoms (19.4%, n = 575). A third (32.3%, n = 603) of the non-contraceptive users accepted a method at PrEP initiation. From a total of 1,007 (32.7%) current contraceptive users at baseline, 865 (85.9%) chose the same or a different method at this visit. The method uptake at PrEP initiation increased the overall contraceptive prevalence by 12.2 to 74.5%. Data indicated that over a third (38.8%, n = 725) who were not using a method at baseline described themselves as consistent condom users. Although a major focus of the project was on PrEP service provision, all women were counseled and offered contraceptive services. The acceptance of a method by a third of non-users was promising; however, more understanding of those who did not take up a method is required. The need to leverage opportunities for the promotion of the integration of HIV and family planning at all levels of PrEP provision was highlighted.

scholarly journals Mental health outcomes of a pilot 2-arm randomized controlled trial of a HIV-prevention program for South African adolescent girls and young women and their female caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geri Donenberg ◽  
Katherine G. Merrill ◽  
Millicent Atujuna ◽  
Erin Emerson ◽  
Bethany Bray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
South African ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health

Abstract Background South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) report significant mental distress and sexual and reproductive health concerns. Mental health problems and trauma symptoms are consistently associated with sexual and reproductive health behavior. Despite their intersection, few interventions address them simultaneously or engage female caregivers (FC) as collaborators. This study presents findings from a pilot test of an empirically supported culturally adapted family-based HIV-prevention program, Informed Motivated Aware and Responsible Adolescents and Adults- South Africa (IMARA-SA), on AGYW anxiety, depression, and trauma. Methods Sixty 15–19-year-old AGYW (mean age = 17.1 years) and their FC from outside Cape Town were randomized to IMARA-SA or a health promotion control program. AGYW reported their anxiety using the GAD-7, depression using the PHQ-9, and trauma using the PC-PTSD-5 at baseline and follow-up (6–10 months post). Both interventions were delivered by Xhosa-speaking Black South African women in groups over 2 days for approximately 10 h. We examined intervention effects using zero-inflated negative binomial regression for anxiety, multinomial logistic regression for depression, and logistic regression for trauma. Results At baseline, groups did not differ in demographic characteristics but AGYW randomized to IMARA-SA had higher depression scores than controls (p = 0.04) and a greater proportion screened positive for PTSD (p = .07). Controlling for baseline mental health scores, AGYW who received IMARA-SA compared to controls had significantly fewer anxiety symptoms at follow-up (adjusted incidence rate ratio for count model = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.29–0.99, p = 0.05), were less likely to report at least one depressive symptom relative to no symptoms (relative risk ratio = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.95, p = 0.04), and were less likely to report symptoms of PTSD relative to no symptoms, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Mental health is implicated in risky sexual behavior, and reducing emotional distress can mitigate exposure to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This pilot study yielded promising findings for the mental health impact of IMARA-SA, justifying replication in a larger randomized trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT04758390, accepted 17/02/2021.

scholarly journals Sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls and young women in Mombasa, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1749341
Author(s):  
Andrea Wilson ◽  
Helgar Musyoki ◽  
Lisa Avery ◽  
Eve Cheuk ◽  
Peter Gichangi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health

scholarly journals Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living in Slums in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majel McGranahan ◽  
Elizabeth Bruno-McClung ◽  
Joselyn Nakyeyune ◽  
Derrick Aaron Nsibirwa ◽  
Christopher Baguma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Health Rights

Abstract BackgroundSexual and reproductive health rights are critical entitlements best supported through human rights-based approaches empowering duty-bearers and rights-holders. Implementing these requires information on the current needs and challenges faced by those seeking to claim their sexual and reproductive health rights. We aimed to identify the underlying factors influencing the realisation of sexual and reproductive health rights for adolescent girls and young women living Ugandan slums by: (1) exploring the role of relevant service providers and stakeholders; and (2) uncovering knowledge and gaps in protecting adolescent girls’ and young women’s sexual and reproductive health rights.Methods Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews focused on current knowledge, behaviours and attitudes towards sexual and reproductive health rights among adolescent girls and young women, service providers and stakeholders. Data were analysed thematically. Results Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants (N=10); two focus groups were held with adolescent girls and young women living in two slums in Uganda (N=21); and three focus groups were held with community leaders, service providers, teachers and parents (N=30). Adolescent girls and young women lacked information regarding their sexual health, services available, and redress mechanisms for rights violations. Formal sources of information were frequently inaccessible. Family members were sometimes the source of rights violations, and informal methods of redressing rights were often sought. Stigma and fear were common features both in healthcare and in the pursuit of formal justice, with duty-bearers habitually breaking confidentiality. Education and training were the predominant suggestions offered for change. Conclusions Adolescent girls and young women continue to face obstacles in achieving their full sexual and reproductive health rights. Targeted interventions for the realisation of adolescent girls’ and young women’s sexual and reproductive health rights can address underlying causes and positively shift attitudes to promote health.

scholarly journals Understanding sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents: Evidence formative study in three districts of lake regions in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
mwifadhi mrisho ◽  
Michaela Mantel ◽  
Abdunoor M Kabanywanyi ◽  
Bakar Fakih ◽  
Manzi Fatuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Teenage marriage and adolescent pregnancy present a significant health challenge in the Tanzania. About 36% of women aged 15-49 are married before the age of 18, and 32% of rural adolescents (10-19 years) gave birth, compared with 19% of urban. In Mwanza region, one third of currently married adolescent and women aged 15-49 experienced unmet need for family planning and had low use of modern contraceptives. Here we present a study that explored the gaps in accessing and utilization of quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health services (ASRH). Methods This was a descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional formative study utilizing multiple qualitative research methods. Purposive sampling was used to select an urban district (Nyamagana), rural district (Magu) and an island (Ukerewe). Sixty-seven IDI and 30 focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by gender (12 out-of-school, 12 in-school), and (3 male, 3 female adults) were purposefully sampled. Vignettes were done with 15-19 years old in-school and out-of-schools boys and girls. An experienced moderator, along with a note-taker, led the discussions while taking notes. The FGDs were recorded using an MP3 voice recorder. Thematic analysis approach was undertaken and data was analysed using NVivo 12, a qualitative software. Results The identified the most important pressing needs of the adolescents in relation to SRH. Adolescent girls needed specific services such as counselling on menstrual health, sexual consent, HIV/AIDS, and prevention of pregnancies. Sanitary pads during menstrual period were very important pressing need of the adolescent girls. Adolescents both girls and boys preferred to receiving friendly health care services in a respectful manner. Girls mentioned that they would like to receive SRH support from nurses in health facilities, mothers, sisters, aunties and friends. With regards to boys, they preferred to receive the SRH from health care providers followed with their peer’s friends. Several obstacles were reported to hinder access to SRHS predominantly among the adolescent girls as compared to the boys. Poor infrastructure tended to impair the privacy at the health facilities, and rarely there were specific buildings to provide friendly adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. Conclusions The strategies to guide delivery of ASRH should involve the inclusion of duty bearers, promotion of friendly health care services where health workers provide services in friendly-manner, provision of ASRH education for awareness creation to adolescents and supportive parents/ care takers.

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