Abstract
Purpose
To identify risk and protective factors associated with adolescent sexual and reproductive
health (ASRH) in the English-speaking Caribbean through a structured literature review.
Methods
Peer-reviewed articles published between January 1998 and December 2009 focused on
the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents, aged 10–19 years, were included
in this review. Articles were organized according to Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems
theory. Research gaps were also identified.
Results
A total of 30 studies assessed ASRH. At the individual level, gender, psychosocial
well-being, and mental health were key factors associated with ASRH. Within the microsystem, the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship, the presence of violence, substance
abuse or mental health problems in the family, and peer relationships were important
determinants of ASRH. Within the macrosystem, cultural attitudes had an effect on youth's sexual behavior and generally, safer
sex practices appear to be increasing. Within the chronosystem, a history of physical and sexual abuse was associated with several ASRH outcomes.
Conclusion
A research agenda that incorporates a multisystem approach and advocates for the inclusion
of socially marginalized youth is needed to fully understand and adequately address
ASRH in the Caribbean.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 13, 2011
Accepted:
March 5,
2011
Received:
October 5,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
