A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Impact of Four Adolescent Sexual Health Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sohail Agha, Population Services International (PSI)

Using a quasi-experimental design, this study assesses the impact of four adolescent sexual health interventions that were implemented in Cameroon, Botswana, South Africa and Guinea. Significant changes were observed among young women. Perceived benefits of abstinence, monogamy and condom use increased because of three out of four interventions. Discussion of contraception/sexual matters increased as a result of two interventions. A reduction in sexual behavior occurred in Cameroon. Contraceptive use increased in three of the interventions. Among young men, however, consistent improvements in health belief indicators occurred only in Cameroon. The Cameroon intervention used multiple communications media (including radio and peer education) and reached over 90% of adolescents. Sexual health interventions targeted at adolescents can change attitudes and sexual behavior if they use multiple channels of communication (including interpersonal and mass media channels), make contraceptives widely available and reach a substantial proportion of young adults.

Presented in Session 52: Interventions and Policy on Adolescent Reproductive Health Services