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Open research questions in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

405 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 5,522 Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • A main limitation of this study is the use of non-probability convenience sample recruited through a SH campaign and LGTBQ+ related communication channels.

    Factors associated with barriers in talking about sexual health – Findings from an online survey in Austria -2024 · 2026 · DOI

  • Finally, future research should explore the moderating effects of religion and ethnicity in greater depth, adopt qualitative or mixed-methods for richer insights, expand samples beyond a single insti- tution, assess real-life usage patterns rather than only purchase intent, and employ longitudinal approaches to capture the long-term impact of marketing strategies on con- sumer behaviour.

    Marketing strategy and consumer purchasing behaviour of condoms among University of Cape Coast students in Ghana · 2026 · DOI

  • Background Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a major but underreported public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where sociocultural stigma, family dynamics, and weak institutional responses limit prevention and timely intervention.

    Disclosure pathways and correlates of child sexual abuse among secondary school adolescents in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

  • Conclusion This mixed-methods study explored how socio- cultural and educational factors shape parents’ perceptions of sex education in selected primary in Bulamagi Sub-County, Eastern schools Uganda, using Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour as guiding frameworks. Rather than reiterating empirical results, this conclusion reflects on the broader meaning and implications of the findings for understanding parental perceptions within this socio-cultural context. The study demonstrates that parental perceptions of sex education are formed through a dynamic interaction between knowledge acquisition and socially embedded norms. Educational exposure and curriculum awareness enhance parents’ capacity to interpret sexuality education as protective and developmentally appropriate. However, this cognitive openness is mediated by cultural traditions, moral expectations, and religious worldviews that define the boundaries of acceptable discourse about sexuality. As a result, parental attitudes toward sex education are not static or purely individual judgments but socially negotiated positions learning, shaped by observation, and normative pressure. By integrating quantitative trends with qualitative narratives, the study highlights that acceptance of sex education depends not only on access to information but also on its alignment with community values and moral frameworks. This finding reinforces the explanatory relevance of Social Cognitive Theory in illustrating how exposure and learning reshape beliefs, while the Theory of Planned Behaviour clarifies how 283 | This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. East African Journal of Education Studies, Volume 9, Issue 1, 2026 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.9.1.4404 norms social and subjective expectations influence parents’ willingness to support school-based sex education. perceived Overall, the study concludes that improving parental acceptance of sex education in primary schools requires a socially responsive approach that moves beyond curriculum provision alone.

    Exploring Socio-Cultural and Educational Determinants of Parental Perceptions on Sexuality Education: Evidence from a Mixed-Methods Study · 2026 · DOI

  • the belief the community The findings of this study suggest a clear need for more intentional and context-sensitive health education efforts, particularly among young people, focusing not only on the risks associated with penile performance enhancers but also on the importance of early recognition of complications such as priapism and timely medical care. Given the predominantly student population, integrating sexual health education into school and university programs could provide a practical entry point for improving awareness and shaping safer behaviours. At level, awareness campaigns should aim to address persistent that herbal or misconceptions, especially “natural” enhancers are inherently safe, while also encouraging more open and informed conversations about sexual health. Efforts to strengthen engagement with healthcare services are equally important, particularly in reducing the stigma or embarrassment that may delay care- seeking. In parallel, there is a need for closer regulation and monitoring of both pharmaceutical and herbal sexual enhancement products to reduce the risks associated with misuse and adulteration. Finally, this pilot study highlights the importance of further research, and larger, more diverse studies are needed particularly in the northern part of Nigeria where anecdotal and emerging evidence suggest that the use of sex enhancers are rampant, to better understand how these patterns vary across different populations and to inform more targeted interventions.

    MISUSE OF PENILE PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS: AWARENESS GAPS AND RISK OF PRIAPISM—A PILOT STUDY · 2026 · DOI

  • While this study provides useful preliminary insights, its findings should be interpreted with some caution. The study population was largely composed of young, tertiaryeducated students from a single geographic area, which means the results may not fully reflect the experiences or behaviours of other groups, particularly older individuals or those in different socio-cultural settings. The use of convenience sampling also means that the participants may not be entirely representative of the wider population, as those who chose to participate could differ in important ways from those who did not. Kiekwe et al, IJCR, 2025; 14(3): 129–141 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20121654 139 Endorsed By: Innovative Science Research Foundation (ISREF) and International Society of Science Researchers (ISSCIR).

    MISUSE OF PENILE PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS: AWARENESS GAPS AND RISK OF PRIAPISM—A PILOT STUDY · 2026 · DOI

  • This study presents some limitations that should be consid- ered when interpreting the findings. First, the research used a qualitative design based on testimonies from a specific population of women living in conditions of poverty and vulnerability on a specific geographical and cultural envi- ronment; so the findings may not fully reflect the experi- ences of adolescents from other regions, including urban centers or indigenous communities with different sociocul- tural dynamics. Therefore, the results cannot be general- ized to all regions of the country. Second, the sample was limited in size and relied on voluntary participation, which may have introduced selection bias, as those who chose to participate might differ in important ways from those who declined. Third, the researcher’s lack of proficiency in Que- chua language limited a deeper connection with women from the community of Juliaca, Puno. Speaking fluent Quechua would have created greater trust and rapport with them, which could have facilitated the disclosure of information that perhaps did not emerge during the interviews. Despite these limitations, the study offers relevant insights into the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of adolescent pregnancy in contexts of poverty and highlights the need for more comprehensive research that integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches.

    Teenage Pregnancy Among Low-Income Adolescents in Peru · 2026 · DOI

  • The researcher acknowledges that the study had certain limitations that may have influenced its scope and applicability. Firstly, the participant pool predominantly consisted of individuals from black and white backgrounds, with limited representation from the coloured and Indian communities. As a result, the findings may not fully capture the diverse experiences and perspectives of all ethnic groups in South Africa. Secondly, the study was conducted solely in Gauteng, which may limit the generalisability of the results to other regions. Regional and contextual differences across provinces could influence the participants’ experiences and viewpoints, therefore, the findings should be interpreted with caution when applied to a broader national context. In addition, the study primarily drew on the perspectives of social workers rendering services in public school settings, which may limit the applicability of the findings to private school contexts where organisational structures, resources and support systems may differ.

    Steering through the Digital Storm: School Social Workers at the Helm of Managing Adolescent Sexting · 2026 · DOI

  • Based on the review of existing studies, the following recom- mendations are proposed for advancing research and inter- ventions on polyvictimisation in India: 12. Adopt standardized definitions and frameworks – Consis- tent use of the term polyvictimisation rather than isolated abuse categories would enhance comparability with global research and capture cumulative victimisation effects. 13. Advance research methodologies – Move beyond cross- sectional and clinical studies toward longitudinal, multi- site, and mixed-method designs to clarify temporal links between victimisation and psychological outcomes. 14. Generate nationally representative data – Conduct large-scale surveys including underrepresented groups such as children with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and those in conflict zones, to allow nuanced national and international comparisons. 15. Shift toward preventive and trauma-informed approaches – Embed preventive strategies in schools, communities, and child protection systems, emphasizing early identifi- cation and trauma-informed care. 16. Strengthen inter-agency coordination – Improve col- laboration between child welfare committees, police, judiciary, healthcare, and schools to avoid fragmented care and ensure effective rehabilitation. 17. Invest in capacity-building and awareness – Train teach- ers, social workers, and healthcare providers to recognize signs of polyvictimisation, while promoting community awareness to reduce stigma and underreporting.

    Polyvictimization among Children and Adolescents in India: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Consequences, and Risk Factors · 2026 · DOI

  • Participants described competing demands, limited knowledge of test- ing locations, and difficulty navigating healthcare systems as key deterrents, consistent with evidence that Latino populations face structural barriers such as limited access to care and low health system navigation capacity that reduce engagement in preventive services [31]. Additional work on Latino youth shows that the desire to protect family reputation and avoid stigma can discourage testing and open discussions about sexual health [21, 33].

    A Participatory Mixed-Methodology Study of HIV and STI Testing Barriers Among Latino College Students in the California Inland Empire · 2026 · DOI

  • Limitations of this study are firstly that some of the variables in the current HIV risk score were not significantly associ- ated with the score. Although the positive and negative predictive values for the score were relatively high when it was applied to the baseline survey data for the My Journey Programme, HIV prevalence in the HERStory3 survey data used PLOS One | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341299 May 18, 2026 13 / 18 for this study was lower (10.0% vs. 12.4%), reducing the number of HIV-positive cases and decreasing statistical power [29]. However, DBS-confirmed HIV status was also used as an outcome in this study to examine the relationship between HIV and alcohol use. Secondly, we were unable to test the direction of the relationships between alcohol use, HIV risk and infection, and sexual risk behaviour because the data is from a cross-sectional study. Nevertheless, our regression models support existing evidence of the association between hazardous drinking and sexual risk behaviour, where the bidirectionality of these relationships has previously been explored. Thirdly, we found no association between hazardous drinking and mental health, suggesting that AGYW may have different motivations for drinking compared to older women, thus the direction of the relationship remains unclear for this population. Fourthly, while both the electronic survey and qualitative interviews may be subject to social desirability bias, steps were taken to minimise this, including a comprehen- sive informed consent process. Participants were informed that there were no immediate benefits to them for participation in the survey or interview and that their information would be kept anonymous and confidential. Fifthly, the AUDIT-C score has not been validated among AGYW in low-resourced settings and there is inconsistency in the literature regarding whether a cutoff of 2 or more, or 3 or more, should be used to identify hazardous drinking among women [33,57]. We tested Model 3 using both cutoff points and found no statistically significant differences in the results. Finally, sub-districts and sites within the intervention and comparison arms were purposefully selected to optimise the programme effect in this non-randomised comparison. Systematic random sampling was used to select households within the selected sites, but at higher levels, sites and sub-districts were not selected based on a random sampling technique. As such, we cannot claim our sub-districts nor study participants to be representative for the general South African AGYW population. This must be considered when interpreting the descriptive statistics and prevalence estimates. However, we believe that after controlling for key covariates, the identified associations correspond to a general trend relevant to the target population of AGYW in high HIV-burdened communities.

    “We do anything to get alcohol”: A mixed methods approach to explore the intersections between alcohol use and HIV risk and infection amongst adolescent girls and young women from high HIV-burdened communities in South Africa · 2026 · DOI

  • Whilst this study offers valuable insights into program implementation, it is important to acknowledge that the narrative data presented are derived primarily from program observations, stakeholder reflections and practitioner insights. As such, this research does not follow a traditional empirical framework with formal hypothesis testing, control groups or statistically driven outcome measures. Instead, it utilises a descriptive and experiential approach, focusing on the lived realities of program staff and community partners as they navigated implementation challenges. This methodological choice limits the generalisability of findings and precludes definitive claims about program efficacy. However, this format allows for rich, contextualised understanding of real-world barriers and facilitators, which can inform future implementations in similar settings. Future research with more rigorous impact evaluations is needed to validate these insights across contexts.

    Reducing Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Youth: A Community Partnerships Approach · 2026 · DOI

  • This study yields important findings about the nature of sexual risk behavior and STI development among American Indians raised in stepfamilies and prompts further study into the development of attachment relationships and additional considerations that may influence sexual risk behavior among this population.

    Attachment Style and Sexual Risk Behaviors among American Indians Raised in Stepfamilies · 2025 · DOI

  • Abstract Sexual Health Education (SHE) for children with autism and intellectual or development disabilities is a topic that has remained under-researched, especially in the Arab world.

    Sexual Health Education for Children and Young People with Autism and/or Intellectual/Development Disabilities in the Arab World: A Systematic Literature Review of the Attitudes and Experiences of Parents and Professionals · 2025 · DOI

  • Very few studies were able to include psychographic, social, and contextual factors influencing AGYW health behaviors and decisions, especially those measuring the impact of social and gender norms, relationship dynamics, and household dynamics-related outcomes.

    Evidence and gap map report: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions for strengthening HIV prevention and research among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) · 2023 · DOI

  • To date, no studies have examined well-established associations between substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and an increased susceptibility to HIV (also known as the SAVA syndemic), among transitioning age youth in the U.

    SAVA syndemic and comorbid HIV risks among youth transitioning from the U.S. juvenile legal system · 2023 · DOI

  • While comprehensive and high-quality formal sexuality education has been shown to lead to safer sexual behaviour, the delivery of formal SRH education in China remains insufficient, especially in Western regions.

    Live-streaming comprehensive sexuality education in Western China: an analysis of the views of implementers and junior secondary students · 2023 · DOI

  • An online questionnaire with three sections for (a) demographics; (b) the students' attitudes towards sexual health (SA-SH) questionnaire, which is a 22-item Likert scale about student attitudes toward sexual health issues in their future profession; and (c) nine open questions regarding students’ comfort and preparedness to address sexuality was used.

    Addressing Sexuality: The Comfort and Preparedness of Occupational Therapy Students · 2022 · DOI

  • Objectives: Despite billions of dollars in funding spent each year on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV programming, sexual pleasure is insufficiently addressed.

    How to Navigate a Blindspot: Pleasure in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Programming and Research · 2021 · DOI

  • The aim of this study was to develop a virtual youth center, providing a safe and supportive online space for sexual minority young men to talk and learn about HIV, sexuality, relationships and sex – topics rarely addressed inclusively in mainstream education.

    Development of a text-based chatroom HIV prevention and confidence-building intervention for same-sex attracted young males in South England · 2021 · DOI

  • Future research is needed to test the efficacy of multi-level, multi-component tribally driven SRH interventions for AI youth and their families that integrate contemporary SRH issues with traditional values and beliefs.

    The development and testing of a multi-level, multi-component pilot intervention to reduce sexual and reproductive health disparities in a tribal community · 2020 · DOI

  • Effective sexual negotiation may be a way to decrease risk for HIV infection, but relatively little is known about sexual negotiation among Hispanic MSM.

    Circumventing vs. Guiding: A Grounded Theory Study of Sexual Negotiation Among Hispanic Men Who Have Sex with Men · 2020 · DOI

  • However, little is known about the sociocognitive determinants of condom use in this population: information that is required to develop such HIV prevention programs.

    Exploring Determinants of Condom Use among University Students in Sudan · 2020 · DOI

  • Gender inequalities drive the HIV risk within marriages in Kenya, yet strategies to combat the spread of HIV are limited by their emphasis on the individual or dyadic relationship rather than the wider social-cultural relations that shape gender relations within marriage.

    Social networks, gender and HIV within marriages in Kenya · 2019 · DOI

  • Regarding various unwanted behavioral and emotional outcomes, the protective role of parental monitoring has been empirically corroborated, but little is known about the association between the dynamics of parental monitoring and SEM use during adolescence.

    ULOGA RODITELJSKOG NADZORA U DINAMICI UPORABE SEKSUALNO EKSPLICITNIH MATERIJALA MEĐU ADOLESCENTIMA · 2018 · DOI

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405 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 5,522 Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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