Biological and Physiological Changes in Adolescence: Sociocultural Impact on Adolescent Sexual Attitude and Reproductive Health

Abstract

This study examines the sociocultural impact of adolescent bio-physiological development on sexual health. By using three key metrics: sexual intercourse by age 15, self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) symptoms, and condom use at last intercourse. Results reveal significant gender disparities: 9% of girls reported first intercourse by age 15 against 2% of boys; 14% of girls reported STI symptoms against 4% of boys; and 32% of girls used condoms at last intercourse, against 60% of boys. Theoretically grounded in double standard theory and the social determinants of health framework, analyses link the disparities in this result to sociocultural norms, including gendered stigmatization around female sexuality, lack of comprehensive sex education (CSE), and power imbalance in sexual decision-making that amplify biological vulnerabilities. The study highlights the need for gender trans-formative interventions, scaling (CSE) policies that challenge the gender double standards phenomenon, empowering girls to negotiate condom use, and expanding STI screening for girls. By integrating these biological and sociocultural perspectives, this study underscores the importance of addressing structural inequities geared toward the advancement of adolescent sexual health equity.