Exploring the socio-ecological levels for prevention of sexual risk behaviours of the youth in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

BackgroundPrevention of youth sexual risk behaviour among the youth in uMgungundlovu District Municipality continues to be a primary challenge for public health and health promotion. Current prevention interventions are targeted at an individual level, whilst youth behaviour is influenced by many social and environmental factors.AimThe aim of the study was to explore the factors influencing sexual risk behaviours of the youth at different socio-ecological levels in uMgungundlovu District Municipality.MethodsAn explorative and descriptive qualitative study design was used, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. A framework analysis was used to develop themes derived from the socio-ecological theory.ResultsFour themes were identified that influence youth to engage in sexual risk behaviours: (1) individual factors, related to role modelling behaviour, gender and negative stereotypes towards females; (2) the microsystem in which youth function including the influence of family and peers; (3) the exo-system comprising the disadvantaged socio-economic status of the communities where the youth live; and (4) the macrosystem where negative social norms were reported to influence youth health outcomes.ConclusionSexual risk behaviour among youth in uMgungundlovu is influenced by many factors at multiple social levels. Interventions directed at these multiple levels are needed urgently.

Addressing Learner-Centred Barriers to Sexuality Education in Rural Areas of South Africa: Learners’ Perspectives on Promoting Sexual Health Outcomes

“…Likewise, Ward et al ( 2015 ) state that poverty imposes severe limitations on parents’ ability to influence their children positively, because poor parents cannot provide food and necessities for their children. These findings are corroborated by Khuzwayo and Taylor ( 2018 ), who report that young people choose their sex partners strategically for material and monetary gain. Therefore, poverty may increase risky sexual practices among school-going adolescents, thus undermining the key objectives of sexuality education programmes.…”

“…Viner et al ( 2012 ) concur that these factors shape young people’s choices and chances to live healthy lives. This line of thought is supported by Khuzwayo and Taylor ( 2018 ), who assert that the microsystem within which an individual functions exerts significant influence on their efficacy and how they react to SRH education. In the same vein, Haberland and Rogow ( 2015 ) posit that an individual’s social environment has a significant influence on their sexual health and rights.…”

“…Cultural norms are prevalent customs, practices, and characteristics in a community (Khuzwayo & Taylor, 2018 ). These norms and practices can influence the effectiveness of school-based sexuality education programmes and adolescents’ SRH outcomes (Beyers, 2011 ).…”

Exploring factors influencing integration of traditional and medical male circumcision methods at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Eastern Cape: A socio-ecological perspective

“…The authors felt that this was the most suitable method as it emphasises how both a priori issues and emergent themes could guide the development of the analytic framework. 17 This fitted the aim of the study as the authors had certain predefined areas to explore but also wanted to remain open to discovering the unexpected. Using the five stages of framework analysis, the first author listened to the audio recordings of the IDIs and FGDs and transcribed them.…”

Interplay Between Substance Use and Health: Behavioural Dynamics Among Female Adolescents in Butterworth, South Africa

“…The literature further highlights that when adolescents are under the influence of these substances, they are less likely to take precautions such as considering the use condoms, for example (Groenewald et al, 2018). Findings also indicate that when female adolescents are under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they became prey to the sexual activities of older men (Khuzwayo & Taylor, 2018). Kang'ethe and Rhakudu (2010) corroborate these findings and contend that it is no longer uncommon for those under the influence of alcohol to engage in multiple sexual activities with different partners, usually without any precautions against diseases such as HIV/AIDS.…”