Growing Up in Umlazi: Adolescents lived experiences of puberty, relationships, and Sexual Health
1
Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban-KZN, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Adolescence is a transformative period for physical, emotional, and social development. In Umlazi, South Africa, adolescents navigate bodily changes, relationships, and sexual health with limited guidance, despite school-based Life Orientation lessons. Extended family households, peer networks, and socio-cultural norms shape puberty experiences, autonomy, relational and sexual decision-making. This study forms the qualitative component of a mixed-methods PhD project, aiming to inform contextually grounded sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
METHODS:
Twelve adolescents aged 10–19 within the USINGA Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area were purposively recruited for semi-structured interviews conducted in isiZulu and translated into English. Data were analysed thematically across five domains: household environment, physical development, friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual health experiences, complementing the PhD’s quantitative components.
RESULTS:
Adolescents lived primarily in extended families, with mothers and grandmothers providing support. Bodily changes brought mixed feelings of pride and discomfort. Autonomy in decision-making was valued, but peer pressure, material expectations, and gender norms complicated relationships. School lessons were the main source of sexual health information, while home discussions were limited or cautionary. Friendships offered emotional support but occasionally exposed adolescents to risky behaviour. Early curiosity about bodies and relationships, even among younger adolescents, highlighted gaps in age-appropriate guidance and the need for SRH education starting in early adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings reveal a tension between adolescents’ desire for autonomy and gaps in adult guidance. Collaborative interventions co-designed with adolescents, families, and schools are essential to promote informed sexual decision-making, gender equity, and emotional well-being.
Adolescence is a transformative period for physical, emotional, and social development. In Umlazi, South Africa, adolescents navigate bodily changes, relationships, and sexual health with limited guidance, despite school-based Life Orientation lessons. Extended family households, peer networks, and socio-cultural norms shape puberty experiences, autonomy, relational and sexual decision-making. This study forms the qualitative component of a mixed-methods PhD project, aiming to inform contextually grounded sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
METHODS:
Twelve adolescents aged 10–19 within the USINGA Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area were purposively recruited for semi-structured interviews conducted in isiZulu and translated into English. Data were analysed thematically across five domains: household environment, physical development, friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual health experiences, complementing the PhD’s quantitative components.
RESULTS:
Adolescents lived primarily in extended families, with mothers and grandmothers providing support. Bodily changes brought mixed feelings of pride and discomfort. Autonomy in decision-making was valued, but peer pressure, material expectations, and gender norms complicated relationships. School lessons were the main source of sexual health information, while home discussions were limited or cautionary. Friendships offered emotional support but occasionally exposed adolescents to risky behaviour. Early curiosity about bodies and relationships, even among younger adolescents, highlighted gaps in age-appropriate guidance and the need for SRH education starting in early adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings reveal a tension between adolescents’ desire for autonomy and gaps in adult guidance. Collaborative interventions co-designed with adolescents, families, and schools are essential to promote informed sexual decision-making, gender equity, and emotional well-being.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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