Gender norms associated with adolescent sexual behaviours in Uganda

This study used the Gender Equitable Men (GEM) scale to explore gender norms and sexual reproductive health behaviors among adolescent girls and boys ages 15 to 19 in Uganda. The findings indicate that adolescents were in agreement with the gender-inequitable norms explored. The girls and boys were also in agreement that it is a woman’s responsibility to avoid pregnancy and that women who carry condoms are “cheap.” These findings suggest the need for adolescent-targeted health education and champions of change among the stakeholders who create the environment where attitudes and worldviews are formed.