Socioecological analysis of determinants of early adolescent sexuality in Benin: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: early adolescent sexuality is associated with an increase in risky sexual behaviour, unwanted pregnancies, and the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections. However, despite the efforts of governments and their partners, the implementation and effectiveness of appropriate and adapted services to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health are lagging. Therefore, this study aimed to document determinants of early adolescent sexuality in the central district of Tchaourou in Benin based on a socio-ecological approach. METHODS: an explorative and descriptive qualitative study was conducted using focus groups and individual interviews based on the socio-ecological model. Participants included adolescents, parents, teachers, and community leaders in Tchaourou. RESULTS: the number of participants in each focus group was 8 (32). There were 20 girls and 12 boys aged 10-19 years, of whom 16 were students (7 females and nine males) and 16 were apprentice dressmakers and hairdressers. In addition, five participants attended individual interviews (two community leaders, one religious' leader, one teacher and one parent). Four themes were identified that influence early sexuality among adolescents and grouped into individual determinants related to knowledge about early sexuality; interpersonal determinants related to adolescents' function, including the influence of family and peers; community and organizational determinants related to where harmful sociocultural norms; political determinants comprising the disadvantaged socioeconomic status of the communities where adolescents live. CONCLUSION: many factors at multiple social levels influence early adolescent sexuality in the commune of Tchaourou in Benin. Therefore, interventions directed at these various levels are needed urgently.