Reproductive Health Risk and Protective Behaviors among Adolescents in Kwazulu Natal

Ntsiki Manzini, University of Natal, Durban

The risk of pregnancy or HIV infection continues to be a cause for concern among the youth of South Africa. A greater understanding of the factors that put adolescents at increased risk of HIV infection and teenage pregnancy is needed to develop prevention programs that will encourage positive behaviors among adolescents. This study is aimed at identifying factors associated with risk-taking behaviors and those factors that tend to play a protective role in minimizing risk-taking behaviors. The study shows that females were more likely to have used a contraceptive method to prevent a pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease than their male counterparts. Condom use at last sex was more common among males than among females. The risk of pregnancy or HIV infection continues to be associated with lower levels of protective behaviors. Addressing the factors that influence risky sexual behavior remains paramount to reducing HIV infection and pregnancy among adolescents.