Gender norms about romantic relationships and sexual experiences among very young male adolescents in Korogocho slum in Kenya

Beatrice W. Maina (), Benedict O. Orindi (), Yandisa Sikweyiya () and Caroline W. Kabiru ()
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Beatrice W. Maina: University of the Witwatersrand
Benedict O. Orindi: African Population and Health Research Center
Yandisa Sikweyiya: University of the Witwatersrand
Caroline W. Kabiru: University of the Witwatersrand

International Journal of Public Health, No 0, 10 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To investigate the association between gender norms about romantic relationships and sexual experiences of very young male adolescents (VYMA) living in Korogocho slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods We used cross-sectional data from a sample of 426 VYMA living in Korogocho slum. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to, respectively, explore and validate the factor structure underlying gender norms scale items. We used structural equation modelling to assess the association between gender norms and sexual experiences of VYMA. Results We found high endorsement of heteronormative beliefs about romantic relationships and low endorsement of sexual double standards. Sexual experience was associated with low endorsement of heteronormative beliefs, being pre-pubertal, school absenteeism and being below recommended grade for age. Sharing a sleeping room with more than two people, been born outside Nairobi, and living in households headed by older persons lowered the likelihood of sexual experience. Conclusions Our findings underscore the need for further research to understand how gender norms evolve as young boys transition through adolescence to adulthood and how these changes impact on sexual behaviors

Keywords: Early male adolescents; Sexual behaviors; Gendered norms; Urban informal settlements; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01364-9

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