The effect of family structure on the sexual behaviour choices of female adolescents in South Africa
Date
2006-10-31T12:30:42Z
Authors
Crosby, Laura Candice
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Abstract
The sexual behavioural choices made by adolescents is a salient issue in South Africa.
The practice of risky sexual behaviour puts one at risk of unwanted pregnancy, STI and
HIV infection. These behaviours affect one not only physically but mentally as well.
Adolescence is a “turbulent” time in ones life and risky sexual behaviour makes this
period all the more difficult and could result in disastrous consequences. This is due to
the fact that sexual health and sexual practices of adolescents has implications for
morbidity and mortality rates in South Africa.
In order to address the issue of risky sexual behavioural choices made by adolescents, this
study has examined the effect of family characteristics on adolescent sexual behavioural
choices. The 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey data was used. The
data set was a nationally representative data set with a probability sample of 12000
women aged 15-49 taking part in it. Analysis for this study was based on 2373 female
adolescent respondents aged 15-19. The association between individual and family
background characteristics and risky sexual behavioural choices was examined. Crucial
variables were extracted and fitted to logistic regression models.
The study found that 47% of the female adolescents were sexually active. Of these, only
15% used a condom at the last sexual encounter despite the fact that 78% had a high
degree of knowledge concerning HIV and condom use. South African adolescents are
thus engaging in risky sexual behaviour.
The family household structures in which adolescents reside was found to be associated
with risky sexual behavioural choices. Sexual activity is strongly associated with socioeconomic
status of the family. Condom use and HIV & contraceptive (condom)
knowledge was found to be less strongly associated with the socio-economic (financial)
status of the family but rather the social processes and relationships within the family are
speculated to have a greater effect. The need for a more in-depth analysis with reference
to family processes and relationships is recommended in order to properly understand the
familial effect on sexual behavioural choices.
The findings from this study have implications for reproductive health and reproductive
rights policies. Appropriate national strategies are needed to reduce risky sexual practices
and thus ensure lower morbidity and mortality among South African youth.
Description
Student Number : 9904331V -
MA research report -
School of Social Sciences -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
adolescence, sexual choices, sexual risk taking, family, family characteristics