Gender differentials in adolescents’ perceptions of sexual risk and protective factors in urban poor Accra

Adriana A. Biney, University of Ghana

Socialization results in boys behaving in sexual manners that differ from girls. These differentials may lead to behaviors that render adolescent girls at higher risk of encountering negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, I explore gender differences in the accounts of risk and protective factors of adolescents in urban poor Accra. With focus group discussion data from the 12 to 19 year olds, I examine their perceptions on the "influencers" and "preventers" to early sexual initiation among youth in their community. Results show that as boys cite pornography, peers and parents as their risk factors, girls state poverty and personal choice as theirs. Protective factors were positive social institutions and parents for boys, and parents and personal choice for girls. The findings suggest that interventions, whether tailored to adolescents or adults in the community, take into account these gendered reports.