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The HERStory Series: Relationship Dynamics, Gendered Power, and Motivations for Condomless Sex Amongst Adolescents and Young People in South Africa

HERStory Series

The HERStory Series: Relationship Dynamics, Gendered Power, and Motivations for Condomless Sex Amongst Adolescents and Young People in South Africa

Summary

  • South Africa has high rates of HIV and teenage pregnancy amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).
  • Condom use amongst adolescents and young people in South Africa is sub-optimal; only half of sexually active AGYW
  • 15-24 years old who participated in the survey reported using a condom at last sex.
  • Amongst South African adolescents and young people motivations for the use or non-use of condoms are gendered; sexual norms and masculinities influence condom use.
    • AGYW’s motivations for non-condom use include relationship security, the desire to demonstrate love, trust, intimacy and commitment, and fear of violent reactions from male partners.
    • For young men, motivations for condomless sex include increased sexual pleasure, proof of masculinity and power, and prestige amongst peers. Young men’s desire to attain sexual prowess, respect, and masculine sexual maturity, enhances their resistance to condom use.

View the complete Research Brief: Relationship Dynamics, Gendered Power, and Motivations for Condomless Sex Amongst Adolescents and Young People in South Africa

The South African Medical Research Council’s strategic plan includes the generation of new knowledge and its translation into policy and practice. In the Health Systems Research Unit, our research aims to inform and support decision-making in health and social policy to strengthen health systems, and therefore improve the health of South Africans. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of care delivery models in communities, schools, and health facilities. To ensure relevance of our research, we apply implementation science principles and approaches, and engage and partner with Departments of Health at all levels of government, as well as with communities and other stakeholders. 

As a unit, we are developing research briefs based on manuscripts that have been published. Our intention is to disseminate key research findings to a broad audience, sharing the research briefs on multiple platforms to ensure wide reach, and work towards bridging the divide between academic research and the development of policy and practice. We aim to use these research briefs as a tool to summarise the key findings of recent studies, outline the implications for policy and practice in the South African context, and provide empirically based, practical, actionable information for policy makers, programme designers and implementers, practitioners, citizens and communities.