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Is the sexual behaviour of young people in sub-Saharan Africa influenced by their peers? A systematic review

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  • Fearon, Elizabeth
  • Wiggins, Richard D.
  • Pettifor, Audrey E.
  • Hargreaves, James R.

Abstract

Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are highly vulnerable to HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Evidence for the effectiveness of individual behaviour change interventions in reducing incidence of HIV and other biological outcomes is limited, and the need to address the social conditions in which young people become sexually active is clear. Adolescents' peers are a key aspect of this social environment and could have important influences on sexual behaviour. There has not yet been a systematic review on the topic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Fearon, Elizabeth & Wiggins, Richard D. & Pettifor, Audrey E. & Hargreaves, James R., 2015. "Is the sexual behaviour of young people in sub-Saharan Africa influenced by their peers? A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 62-74.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:146:y:2015:i:c:p:62-74
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.09.039
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles F. Manski, 1993. "Identification of Endogenous Social Effects: The Reflection Problem," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 60(3), pages 531-542.
    2. Bramoullé, Yann & Djebbari, Habiba & Fortin, Bernard, 2009. "Identification of peer effects through social networks," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 150(1), pages 41-55, May.
    3. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    4. MacPhail, Catherine & Campbell, Catherine, 2001. "'I think condoms are good but, aai, I hate those things': : condom use among adolescents and young people in a Southern African township," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 52(11), pages 1613-1627, June.
    5. Maticka-Tyndale, Eleanor & Barnett, Jessica Penwell, 2010. "Peer-led interventions to reduce HIV risk of youth: A review," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 98-112, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hunter, Janine & van Blerk, Lorraine & Shand, Wayne, 2021. "The influence of peer relationships on young people's sexual health in Sub-Saharan African street contexts," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).

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