scholarly journals Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. Thus, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Methods Our study adopted a cross-sectional design, and data were obtained from AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Results The analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68). Conclusion Our study found a huge magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW. Sexual violence is an important predictor of unintended pregnancy in this age cohort. Thus, addressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15–24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rate. Thus, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Methods Our study adopted a cross-sectional design, and data were obtained from AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17–24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Results The analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 26.3% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08–2.68). Conclusion Our study found a huge magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW. Sexual violence is an important predictor of unintended pregnancy in this age cohort. Thus, addressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. MethodsDrawing from cross-sectional data obtained among AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. ResultsThe analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68).ConclusionAddressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. Thus, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy.Methods Our study adopted a cross-sectional design, and data were obtained from AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. Results The analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 26.3% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68).Conclusion Our study found a huge magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW. Sexual violence is an important predictor of unintended pregnancy in this age cohort. Thus, addressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. Thus, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy.MethodsOur study adopted a cross-sectional design, and data were obtained from AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. ResultsThe analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68).ConclusionOur study found a huge magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW. Sexual violence is an important predictor of unintended pregnancy in this age cohort. Thus, addressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Association Between Sexual Violence and Unintended Pregnancy Among Young Girls in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Henrietta Chinelo Ezegbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Girls ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Final Sample

Abstract Background: Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socioeconomic wellbeing of young girls (aged 15–24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among young girls in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates.Methods: Drawing from cross-sectional data obtained among young girls in a South African university between June and November 2018, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among young girls and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17–24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy.Results: The analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (57.0%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (36.8%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.76; 95% CI: 1.07–2.90).Conclusion: Addressing unintended pregnancies among young girls in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services, but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.

scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women: findings from a cross-sectional study in a South African university

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Elmon Mudefi ◽  
Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Background: There is a window of opportunity to address the menace of sexual violence in South Africa, given the formation of the ministerial task team commissioned by the president in 2019 following the brutal rape and murder of a female university student in Cape Town. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence is critical to understanding the magnitude of the problem and designing interventions towards reversing the trend of sexual violence in the country. Drawing from cross-sectional data from a South Africa university, we examined the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Methods: We analysed data of 451 AGYW selected using stratified sampling. Sexual violence was defined as any sexual acts, and attempt to obtain a sexual act without consent. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models to examine the factors associated with exposure to sexual violence while controlling for relevant covariates. Results: The lifetime and past year prevalence of sexual violence was 37.9% and 25.3%, respectively. A higher prevalence of sexual violence was reported by heavy episodic drinkers of alcohol (lifetime 48.4% and past year 34.0%), those who received insufficient financial support (lifetime 58.0% and past year 35.8%) compared to non-users of alcohol and those who received adequate financial support. AGYW who reported heavy episodic use of alcohol were twice more likely to report experiencing sexual violence compared to non-users. However, individuals who received adequate family support were 76% and 65% less likely to report lifetime and past year experience of sexual violence compared to those who received inadequate family support. Also, AGYW who rated themselves as very religious were 80% and 75% less likely to report lifetime and past year experience of sexual violence compared to those who were not religious.Conclusion: Our study shows that sexual violence affects a large proportion of girls, requiring intervention that not only focuses on increasing social support for survivors, facilitating reporting, and ensuring justice is served, but also target alcohol use reduction and poverty alleviation.

scholarly journals "I was tricked": understanding reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Sally Atieno Odunga ◽  
Clement Oduor ◽  
Ramatou Ouedraogo ◽  
Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Study Setting

Abstract Background While the Kenya government is mobilizing high-level strategies to end adolescent pregnancy by 2030, a clear understanding of drivers of early unintended pregnancy in the country is a necessary precursor. In this study, we determine the prevalence, associated factors, and reasons for unintended pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls (aged 15–19 in two Kenya counties with the highest rate of teenage pregnancy. Methods We used the “In Their Hands” (ITH) program's baseline evaluation data. The study adopted a mixed-methods design with 1110 sexually active adolescent girls in the quantitative component and 19 girls who were either pregnant or nursing a child in the qualitative. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression to model factors associated with unintended pregnancy among respondents. We used a thematic analysis of qualitative data to examine girls’ reasons for having unintended pregnancy. Results Overall, 42% of respondents have had an unintended pregnancy; however, higher proportions were observed among girls who were 19 years (49.4%), double orphans (53.6%), never used contraceptive (49.9%), out-of-school (53.8%), and married (55.6%). After adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of unintended pregnancy were higher among girls who resided in rural areas (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.22–2.20), had primary or no formal education (AOR 1.50 95% CI 1.11–2.02), and had never used contraceptive (AOR 1.69 95% CI 1.25–2.29) compared with their counterparts. Current school attendance was associated with a 66% reduction in the probability of having an unintended pregnancy. Participants of the qualitative study stated that the desire to maintain a relationship, poor contraceptive knowledge, misinformation about contraceptive side effects, and lack of trusted mentors were the main reasons for their unintended pregnancies. Conclusion A massive burden of unintended pregnancy exists among sexually active adolescent girls in the study setting. Adolescent boys and girls need better access to sexuality education and contraceptives in the study setting to reduce early unintended pregnancy.

scholarly journals Predictors of contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa: results from the 2012 national population-based household survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Makola ◽  
L. Mlangeni ◽  
M. Mabaso ◽  
B. Chibi ◽  
Z. Sokhela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Despite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a considerable number of adolescent girls and young women still face challenges in using them. This paper examines socio-demographic and behavioral predictors of using contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years. Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster randomised household survey. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with contraceptive use amongst AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa. Results Out of 1460 AGYW, 78% (CI: 73.9–81.7) reported using some form of contraceptives. In the model, contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary education [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2.7), p = 0.005], having a sexual partner within 5 years of their age [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2.5), p = 0.002], and sexual debut at age 15 years and older [OR = 2.5 (1.3–4.6), p = 0.006]. The likelihood of association decreased with other race groups-White, Coloured, and Indians/Asians [OR = 0.5 (0.3–0.7), p = 0.001], being married [OR = 0.4 (0.2–0.7), p = 0.001], never given birth [OR = 0.7 (0.5–0.9), p = 0.045], coming from rural informal [OR = 0.5 (0.3–0.9), p = 0.010] and rural formal settlements [OR = 0.5 (0.3–0.9), p = 0.020]. Conclusions Evidence suggest that interventions should be tailor-made to meet the needs of AGYW in order to, promote use and access to contraceptives. The results also suggest that family planning interventions should target those who had not given birth in order to reduce unplanned and or unintended pregnancies and associated risk factors. These findings contribute to public health discourse and reproductive health planning for these age groups in the country.

Sexual Violence Prevalence and Related Pregnancy Among Girls and Young Women: A Multicountry Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052093636
Author(s):  
Caroline E. Stamatakis ◽  
Steven A. Sumner ◽  
Greta Massetti ◽  
Howard Kress ◽  
Kathleen C. Basile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Recent Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Violence Prevalence

This study aims to quantify the prevalence of forced sex, pressured sex, and related pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in five low- and middle-income countries. Nationally representative, cross-sectional household surveys were conducted in Haiti, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Uganda among girls and young women aged 13 to 24 years. A stratified three-stage cluster sample design was used. Respondents were interviewed to assess prevalence of sexual violence, pregnancy related to the first or most recent experience of forced or pressured sex, relationship to perpetrator, mean age at sexual debut, mean age at pregnancy related to forced or pressured sex, and prevalence of forced/coerced sexual debut. Frequencies, weighted percentages, and weighted means are presented. The lifetime prevalence of forced or pressured sex ranged from 10.4% to 18.0%. Among these adolescent girls and young women, the percentage who experienced pregnancy related to their first or most recent experience of forced or pressured sex ranged from 13.2% to 36.6%. In three countries, the most common perpetrator associated with the first pregnancy related to forced or pressured sex was a current or previous intimate partner. Mean age at pregnancy related to forced or pressured sex was similar to mean age at sexual debut in all countries. Preventing sexual violence against girls and young women will prevent a significant proportion of adverse effects on health, including unintended pregnancy. Implementation of strategies to prevent and respond to sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women is urgently needed.

Predictors of Resilience Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110051
Author(s):  
Caroline Kuo ◽  
Ashleigh LoVette ◽  
Nevilene Slingers ◽  
Catherine Mathews
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intimate Partners ◽  
Hiv Intervention ◽  
Forced Sex

South Africa has some of the highest rates of intimate partner and sexual violence globally, with prevalence ranging from 10% to 21% among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Yet, few studies characterize the relationship between violence and resilience. Identifying factors associated with resilience following exposure to violence can guide the development of strength-based interventions that change modifiable protective factors to bolster resilience. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey of AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa that took place from 2017 to 2018. This survey was part of a national evaluation of a South African combination HIV intervention for AGYW funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria. A sample of 4,399 observations was achieved through a systematic random sampling frame of 35% of households in districts where AGYW were at highest risk for HIV, and where the intervention was implemented. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Intimate partner and sexual violence were assessed using: (a) an adapted version of a questionnaire from the World Health Organization’s 2005 multicountry study on domestic violence against women, and (b) questions on lifetime experience of forced sex/rape. Nearly a third of AGYW (29.6%) reported intimate partner emotional and/or physical and/or sexual violence in the past year. Nearly a quarter of AGYW (23.74%) reported emotional violence, 17.48% reported physical violence, and 6.37% reported sexual violence from intimate partners. Nearly 8% (7.72%) reported forced sex/rape from intimate partners and/or nonpartners. More equitable gender norms, higher social support, and hazardous drinking were positively associated with higher resilience among those who experienced physical or sexual violence. This study addresses a gap in the resilience and violence literature. Future research should focus on the development of resilience-promoting interventions for individuals who have experienced violence.

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