Exploring the association between adolescent substance use and reproductive health risks in rural cameroon: a hypothesis-driven study.
1
Medicine, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescent health is influenced by multiple risk behaviors, including early substance use and sexual activity. In sub-saharan africa, data on the association between these factors remain limited. We hypothesize that substance use is significantly associated with higher reproductive health risks, including unprotected sex and early pregnancy, among rural adolescents.^1
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study design is proposed. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and health registers during community health campaigns. Variables will include substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis), reproductive health indicators (contraceptive use, pregnancy history, sexually transmitted infection symptoms), and sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression will be used to test associations.
RESULTS:
Preliminary observations from the 2025 balengou campaign suggest overlapping risk behaviors among adolescents. Of 38 adolescents who reported substance use or reproductive health concerns during consultations, 11 disclosed both alcohol or cannabis use and unprotected sexual activity. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis and support the need for a larger, formal study.
CONCLUSIONS:
The hypothesized association between substance use and reproductive health risks highlights the need for integrated adolescent health interventions in rural settings. Confirming this relationship through rigorous research could inform prevention strategies, policy, and health education in sub-saharan africa.
Adolescent health is influenced by multiple risk behaviors, including early substance use and sexual activity. In sub-saharan africa, data on the association between these factors remain limited. We hypothesize that substance use is significantly associated with higher reproductive health risks, including unprotected sex and early pregnancy, among rural adolescents.^1
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study design is proposed. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and health registers during community health campaigns. Variables will include substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis), reproductive health indicators (contraceptive use, pregnancy history, sexually transmitted infection symptoms), and sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression will be used to test associations.
RESULTS:
Preliminary observations from the 2025 balengou campaign suggest overlapping risk behaviors among adolescents. Of 38 adolescents who reported substance use or reproductive health concerns during consultations, 11 disclosed both alcohol or cannabis use and unprotected sexual activity. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis and support the need for a larger, formal study.
CONCLUSIONS:
The hypothesized association between substance use and reproductive health risks highlights the need for integrated adolescent health interventions in rural settings. Confirming this relationship through rigorous research could inform prevention strategies, policy, and health education in sub-saharan africa.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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