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Understanding sexual violence: Perspectives from an adolescent HIV prevention study
Nadia Ahmed1,2, Emily Webb3, Richard Muhumuza4
1Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Central North West London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Forced sex affects 6% of young people in Sub-Saharan Africa, with risk factors including transactional sex, risk-taking behaviors, and mental health issues. Protection strategies should address these identified risks for adolescents and young adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Sub-Saharan Africa exhibits a high prevalence of sexual violence, particularly among young women.
- Limited data exists regarding the prevalence and risk factors of sexual violence among young men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of forced sex among adolescents and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- To identify and describe factors associated with increased risk of sexual violence in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1330 participants aged 13-24 in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
- Logistic regression models analyzed associations with forced sex, complemented by qualitative in-depth interviews and group discussions.
Main Results:
- 6% of participants reported forced sex in the past six months, with higher rates in females, older adolescents (18-24 years), and specific locations.
- Significant associations were found with younger sexual debut, transactional sex, risk-taking behaviors, depression, anxiety, and binge drinking.
- Qualitative data corroborated the quantitative findings, providing deeper insights into the experiences of participants.
Conclusions:
- The study identified risk factors for forced sex among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa that are similar to those for broader sexual violence.
- Developing targeted protection strategies, informed by economic and legal country-specific guidance, is crucial to address these risks.
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