Frontiers in Sociology · 3 authors, 2 centres
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This qualitative study used focus groups and interviews with 188 adolescents and 69 community reference members to explore how social norms influence access to reproductive health services in Northern Nigeria. The central finding was that norms promoting early marriage, family honor, and high fertility are significant drivers of low contraceptive uptake among adolescents.
This community-based qualitative study in Northern Nigeria used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 188 adolescents and 69 reference group participants across 18 communities to explore social norms influencing access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. The analysis identified themes such as early and forced marriage to preserve family honor, the expectation of high fertility, and the influence of spouses and mothers-in-law on contraceptive decisions. Implications suggest that interventions to improve access must address these harmful social norms and engage key community influencers.
