Understanding the Psychosocial Correlates of the Intention to Use Condoms among Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms—especially the perceived expectations of peers and elders—strongly influence young men’s condom use intentions. Changing these norms is key to improving safer sex practices. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the psychosocial factors influencing young men’s intentions to use condoms consistently in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It focused on how social […]
Understanding motives for intravaginal practices amongst Tanzanian and Ugandan women at high risk of HIV infection: The embodiment of social and cultural norms and well-being
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study explores how intravaginal cleansing and insertion practices among women in Tanzania and Uganda are influenced by social and cultural norms related to gender, sexuality, and morality. While the study does not use formal social norms measurement tools, it explicitly investigates how these practices are shaped by community expectations, traditional […]
Socio-cultural factors perceived to influence sexual behaviours of adolescents in Ethiopia
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study reveals that prevailing social and cultural norms in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—especially those stigmatizing adolescent sexuality and condom use—contribute significantly to adolescents’ engagement in risky sexual behavior. Despite general cultural and religious discouragement of premarital sex, community-level norms perpetuate shame, fear, and judgment around seeking sexual and reproductive health (SRH) […]
South African women’s conceptualisations of and responses to sexual coercion in relation to hegemonic masculinities.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study reveals how hegemonic masculinities—norms that valorize male dominance, control, and sexual entitlement—shape South African women’s perceptions of and responses to sexual coercion. These norms contribute to the normalization of coercion, especially in intimate relationships, and often lead women to internalize blame and guilt. However, women’s agency is shown to […]
Social normative origins of the taboo gap and implications for adolescent risk for HIV infection in Zambia
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The taboo gap is driven by deeply ingrained gender norms that enforce silence and stigma around adolescent sexuality—especially for girls. Discordance between adult attitudes and behaviors serves as a signal of harmful norms. Effective interventions must confront these contradictions and include peers, parents, educators, and health systems in reshaping the social […]
Rethinking HIV-prevention for school-going young people based on current behaviour patterns.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Perceived social norms—especially peer expectations around sexual activity—were the strongest predictors of risk behavior. Gender norms that promote male dominance and discourage condom use contribute to risky practices. The study underscores the need to reshape social norms through peer group interventions, gender-transformative education, and community-wide engagement, particularly involving caregivers. Sustainable change […]
Predicting Primary and Secondary Abstinence Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in the Western Cape, South Africa
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms are critical predictors of adolescents’ intentions to abstain from sex, particularly among those who have not yet initiated sexual activity. The study demonstrates that social norms supporting abstinence influence youth intentions more effectively than risk perception or knowledge alone. This suggests that interventions aiming to delay sexual debut should […]
Parent-Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication Is Very Limited and Associated with Adolescent Poor Behavioral Beliefs and Subjective Norms: Evidence from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern Ethiopia
Key Social Norms Take-Aways: Adolescents’ poor communication with parents about sexual and reproductive health is strongly influenced by social norms and beliefs. Many adolescents believe that talking about sexual and reproductive health with parents is inappropriate, embarrassing, or could lead to negative consequences. These subjective norms—especially when reinforced by peer expectations—discourage open dialogue. Gender norms […]
Marriage and sexual and reproductive health of Rohingya adolescents and youth in Bangladesh: a qualitative study
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study reveals that among the Rohingya refugee community, social norms around marriage and reproduction are deeply rooted in religious beliefs, gender roles, and protection concerns. Child marriage is widely accepted and tied to norms linking female maturity with readiness for marriage, religious duty, and family honor. Large families are socially […]
Learners’ perspectives on the provision of condoms in South African public schools
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Although South African learners have a legal right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, social norms—such as stigma, adult judgment, and peer pressure—undermine their ability to access them. Gendered expectations particularly disadvantage girls, who are judged more harshly for seeking condoms or related services. Changing these norms requires respectful, youth-centered […]