Social norms, attitudes, and access to modern contraception for adolescent girls in six districts in Uganda
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The study reveals that prevailing social norms in Uganda often inhibit adolescent girls’ access to contraception, especially in certain districts. The belief that adolescent girls should not access contraceptives is widely shared, driven by community attitudes linking contraception with promiscuity, particularly for unmarried or young women. These norms vary significantly by district, level of education, employment status, and religious affiliation, reflecting deep-rooted sociocultural and gendered expectations.
Objectives The study aimed to examine how individual beliefs, socio-economic characteristics, and demographic factors influence the social norm regarding adolescent girls’ access to contraception in six Ugandan districts. It sought to identify which factors support or hinder this access and to inform the design of social norm-focused sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions.
Methods Researchers conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey in six districts (Amudat, Kaberamaido, Kasese, Moroto, Tororo, and Pader) covering 3,427 respondents. The study applied binary logistic regression to identify associations between beliefs, demographics, and the perception that adolescent girls are allowed to access contraception. Data was collected through stratified two-stage cluster sampling, with attention to gender-sensitive interviewing protocols.
Intervention Details Not applicable – this was a research study, not an intervention.
Results A significant majority (73.5%) of respondents believed adolescent girls are not allowed to access contraception in their community. Positive attitudes towards adolescent contraceptive use were strongly associated with more supportive social norms. Education, formal employment, and progressive beliefs (e.g., support for access by unmarried or sexually active girls) increased the likelihood of supporting adolescent contraceptive access. Regional variation was stark: support was highest in Tororo and Pader, and lowest in Moroto and Amudat (Karamoja sub-region). Negative predictors included belief in traditional contraceptive methods (e.g., withdrawal) and stigmatizing views about girls’ sexuality.
Conclusions Access to contraception for adolescent girls in Uganda is significantly shaped by entrenched social norms and attitudes. These are influenced by education, employment, religious affiliation, and local cultural contexts. To improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes, the authors recommend context-specific, norm-sensitive programs that move beyond individual-level change and target broader community beliefs and structural barriers.
Norms Addressed
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