Preventing teenagers’ pregnancies and improving teenagers’ reproductive health are important as pregnancies in teenagers still represent an important health challenge in Cameroon. The purpose of this dissertation of a limited scope was to describe the perception of peer educators who underwent the ‘100% young’ peer education training and the effect it had on their own sexual behaviour. A qualitative descriptive, explorative and contextual research design was conducted. Data collection was done using in-depth interviews. Fifteen peer educators were purposively selected. Two questions were asked namely; please describe how you perceived the peer education training that you underwent and, describe how this training affected your own sexual behaviour. Findings revealed that participants had a positive education experience, positive personal growth and for many, that was enough to become mentors for their peers and build awareness. Recommendations propose that interventions such as the ‘100% young’ are urgently required to prevent teenage pregnancy. / Health Studies / M.P.H.

The understanding of the patterns of association between positive sexual behaviours and protective factors that have greater impact helps to design appropriate strategies not only on positive sexual behaviour but also for reproductive health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to explore the protective factors and develop strategies to support positive sexual behaviours among high school adolescents. A concurrent mixed method research design was employed to explore the protective factors for positive sexual behaviours. A total of 990 adolescent students attending regular classes were selected using systematic sampling technique for the quantitative study and 33 focus group participants for qualitative study. Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative whereas focus group discussions were employed for the qualitative phase. Protective factors were assessed at family, community/ neighbourhood, school, peer and individual levels. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to identify protective factors. Variables with significant association in bivariate analysis were entered into logistic regression to control confounding effects. The qualitative data management, analysis and interpretation followed thematic analysis principles. Illuminating verbatim quotations used to illustrate findings. RESULTS: adolescents follow parents' rules about sexual activities [AOR=0.462, 95%CI: 0.285-0.748], authoritative [AOR=0.075, 95%CI: 0.021-0.265] and authoritarian [AOR=0.091, 95%CI:0.025-0.331] parenting styles were protective factors. Adolescents’ communication with parents was more likely to have positive association [AOR=0.56, 95%CI:0.31-0.94] than counterparts. Parental greater monitoring [AOR=0.604, 95%CI:0.38-0.959], clear rules and consequences [AOR=0.378, 95%CI: 0.233-0.613] and need for permission to go anywhere [AOR=0.387; 95%CI: 0.235-0.637] were significantly associated. School performance [AOR=0.141, 95%CI:0.055-0.362], perception that teachers are supportive [AOR=0.447, 95%CI:0.266-0.752], sex education [AOR=0.424, 95%CI: 0.243- 0.742], people approved contraceptive use [AOR=0.319, 95%CI: 0.165-0.619] and discussion with health workers on sexuality AOR=0.545, 95%CI:0.318-0.932] were strongly associated with positive sexual behaviour. Positive sexual behaviour associated with peer influence resulted in preferred later sexual debut [AOR=0.444, 95%CI: 0.248- 0.797] and bonding with peers AOR=0.531, 95%CI: 0.327-0.862]. / Health Studies / D. Lit. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study is a qualitative ethnographic investigation of how teenagers in Kampala, Uganda, who read the HIV/AIDS publication aimed at adolescents, Straight Talk, negotiate HIV/AIDS messages. It seeks to establish to what extent these secondary school teenagers accept the key messages (known as ABC; Abstain, Be faithful or use a Condom) and understand the factual aspects of the messages about HIV/AIDS, its process of transmission and prevention. It also seeks to probe how the lived realities of the teenagers affect their particular negotiations of the HIV/AIDS messages. It includes a focus on how proximity to HIV/AIDS, gender and family economic disposition might affect teenagers, negotiation of the HIV/AIDS meanings. To investigate the respondents’ reception of HIV/AIDS messages, the study employed focus groups that consisted of two stages, namely the ‘news game’ and group discussions. In the ‘news game’ stage (Philo, 1990; Kitzinger, 1993) the teenage participants were required to produce a version of a one-page copy of an HIV/AIDS newspaper targeting teenagers. In the second stage of the focus group a structured discussion probed the teenagers’ negotiation of the HIV/AIDS media messages. In the news game, the teenagers on the whole reproduced the key Straight Talk HIV/AIDS messages ‘Abstain, Be faithful or use a Condom’ and also images showing the effects of HIV/AIDS but featured fewer images depicting the factual aspects of HIV/AIDS process of transmission and risky behaviour. In the structured discussion that followed the news game, it was evident that not all the teenagers necessarily believed the messages they produced. In spite of producing the ABC Straight Talk messages, some of them were uncertain and confused about the absolute safety of the condom because of fears that they were either porous, expired or would interfere with sexual pleasure. Secondly, though many of the teenagers in the study reproduced images that showed that they consider marriage as desirable and talked about their desire to abstain from sex till marriage, a considerable number think abstinence is not achievable due to competing values. Thirdly, the participant teenagers could differentiate between HIV and AIDS but many did not realise that with the advent of anti-retroviral drugs even people who have AIDS can look normal. In spite of repeating the Straight Talk message that “no one was safe” and being aware of the risky behaviour that their fellow teenagers get involved in, the teenagers seemed to think that their age cohort is safe from HIV and it is the adults who are likely to infect them. The study findings further indicate that the teenagers’ lived experience at times influence their negotiation of HIV/AIDS media messages. This was probed in terms of economic standing, gender and proximity to HIV/AIDS. In relation to gender one surprising discovery was that certain girls in the study feared getting pregnant more than getting HIV/AIDS. The study finally suggests that these findings are of significance for designing future media initiatives in relation to HIV/AIDS.

The study explored the community role in support of adolescents’ sexual reproductive health (ASRH) in Acholi sub-region, which was affected by over two decades of LRA war. The study aimed at establishing the impact of the war on Acholi socio-cultural norms of adolescents’ socialisation on sexual matters by exploring the effects of the war, mass media and the modern education system on the socio-cultural norms of socialisation and compared with the current modes of promoting sexual education among adolescents as mandated by the national adolescent health policy; the study then assessed the community responsiveness to ASRH needs. Based on the findings, community strategy for enhancing community response to adolescent health was developed. Exploratory, descriptive and case study methodology was used to execute a three- phased concurrent study with five sub-studies. Data were collected from selected participants and respondents including teen mothers, guardians, midwives, parents, adolescents, local, cultural and religious leaders as well as policy makers, technocrats and implementers at the community and district levels. The study was implemented in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts of Northern UgandaThe study results found that the LRA war greatly impacted on the Acholi tradition of socialising children; the war destroyed the socio-cultural, economic and family protection structures. The teen mothers’ case study vividly documented the stories. Confounded by the influence of mass media and modern education system, the Acholi community is experiencing what the study called ‘intergenerational cultural shock’ in which the old and young generations are shocked and amazed with the cultural difference. community responsiveness to adolescent health needs, amidst the societal changing contexts and emerging new youth cultures, the study proposes a community model and a strategy to promote community participation in ASRH but with many implications to policy, programs, and further research as detailed under the recommendations.. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The quantitative study focuses on the perceptions of Nigerian adolescent students to HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to prevention methods. From the literature reviewed it was ascertained that adolescent students do have positive and optimistic perceptions of HIV/AIDS, and also adequate knowledge, but this has not translated into positive attitudes to prevention methods. The literature also indicated that peer group pressure, parental control and the mass media are some variables that probably influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour. This researcher developed the ‘Adolescent Students’ Perception of HIV/AIDS and Attitude to Prevention Methods Questionnaire’ to solicit information from the adolescent students. The results were coded and duly analysed. The results from the empirical study indicated that Nigerian adolescent students have positive perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes to prevention methods. Recommendations were made for curriculum experts, educators and parents based on current research methods. / Psychology of Education / Thesis (D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Adolescent and sexual reproductive health has been identified as among the most important health and development priorities by the South African development (Department of Health, 1995; African National Congress, 1994). The South African government, like many governments in the sub-Saharan region view with concern the region’s rapid population growth and high birth rates particularly among adolescents. This study investigated the perceptions of young mothers regarding teenage pregnancy. Eight participants who live in Vredendal, a predominantly Coloured area in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, were selected for interviewing using convenient sampling. Transcripts of unstructured interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study suggest that young mothers initially perceive teenage pregnancy negatively. These perceptions progressively changes to a positive one. Furthermore, the results indicate a limited awareness of available preventative interventions. Results further show participants tend to experience their relationships with significant others as positive. / Psychology / M. A. (Research Consultation)

The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of termination of pregnancy by choice amongst adolescents within the ages of 18 to 21 years. Exploratory, contextual, qualitative design was used to determine the psychological effects of termination of pregnancy by choice amongst adolescents. Purposive sampling method as well as snowballing were used to select participants for the study. Data collection was done through in-depth, one-on-one, face-to-face interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. The study highlighted that adolescents who seek abortion are unmarried and mostly still studying. The results revealed that adolescents experience mental ill health after termination of pregnancy due to feelings of guilt. All participants stated that abortion is murder of a life person and that it is a bad thing to do. The study revealed that counselling that is done before TOP focuses on the procedure of TOP. There is need for a holistic approach to counselling. As a guide, policy makers need to specify the mandatory counselling in the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (Act No 92 of 1996). / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

This research explores the lived experience of being a vertically or prenatally-infected HIV-positive adolescent. It looks specifically at how the participants experience intimacy, sex and sexuality. HIV/AIDS remains a global pandemic and vertically-infected adolescents are a growing new demographic. However, there is a poverty of research, and therefore interventions and support, for this demographic. This qualitative research conducted six individual, in-depth, semi-structured, psychoanalytic research interviews with three participants. The interviews were structured around projective drawings that the participants did in the course of each interview. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using psychodynamic object relations theory and organised through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Every effort was made to ensure that the research was conducted ethically and validly. The analysis found that the participants' experience of intimacy has resulted in a self that is constantly under threat. This in turn has negatively impacted on the participants' experience of sex and sexuality. The implication of this research is that more in-depth research needs to be done into this demographic so that better interventions and support may be offered.

The purpose of the study was to show the variables that influence adolescents' sexual activities that have not been well defined. What leads adolescents to be more sexually active than previous generations? A Survey was conducted at the Fontana Unified School District.

Adolescent pregnancy is a worldwide problem. This study attempted to describe and explore the knowledge of female adolescents in Angola's knowledge with regard to contraception. The research results, obtained from interview schedules, revealed that the respondents lacked knowledge about themselves as adolescents as well as a lack of knowledge of their reproductive health and development. Furthermore, the results portrayed a lack of knowledge of contraceptives. The study findings may assist health care providers to identify educational programmes on contraception at schools, markets and in the community. / Health Studies / Thesis (M.A. (Health Studies))