Teenager’s views of relationship and sexual exposure in the abstinence-only setting of Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

The study sought to explore teenager’s views of relationships and sexual exposure to obtain an understanding of how teenagers  construct and negotiate their sexual agency in the context of abstinence-only messages provided in South African schools and at the  wider community level. An exploratory qualitative study involving 9 in-depth interviews and 5 diverse focus groups were conducted with  teenagers from a disadvantaged community in Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study used Thematic Content Analysis method to  analyse collected data. The availability of Sexuality Education information is limited by cultural norms. They do not access accurate and  comprehensive Sexuality Education information. There are strict social norms and expectations within the school and also in the larger  community, with certain types of behaviour or relationship being considered taboo and unacceptable. There are physical, emotional and  social consequences of having relationships and indulging in sexual behaviour.