Addressing social norms for adolescent timing and spacing of pregnancy in low and middle-income countries

Developing a global research agenda

Bibliographic Data

ID19552416
AuthorsJasmine Uysal (0000-0002-0425-3174, University of California San Diego), Anvita Dixit (0000-0002-6155-8628, University of Ottawa), Catherine Green (0000-0002-7068-7106, Georgetown University), Marilyn Akinola (University of California San Diego), Bryan Shaw (0000-0002-0832-5462, Georgetown University), Rebecka Lundgren (0000-0002-9607-5722, University of California San Diego)
Year2024
Volume14
Pages04206-04206
Publication date2024-11-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2047-2978 • E-ISSN: 2047-2986
PublisherInternational Society of Global Health (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.7189/jogh.14.04206
PMID39545342
OpenAlexW4404418076
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited29

Background: Social norms shape adolescent sexual and reproductive health behaviours contributing to contraceptive and pregnancy outcomes. No global research agendas exist to guide research on adolescent social norms shifting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We developed a social norms research agenda to improve adolescent healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs. Methods: We adapted and applied the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. A group of researchers guided the process, and consulted with diverse experts to develop a list of 21 research questions for global stakeholders to score via an online survey. Survey participants scored each research question according to four criteria (fills key gap, feasible, impactful, equitable). Research priority scores (RPS) and average expert agreement (AEA) statistics were calculated for each question and analysed overall and by stakeholder region and profession. Results: We received 185 survey responses. Participants were, on average, 44 years old, 64% were women, 70% were from LMICs and 47% were implementers. The RPS ranged from 52 to 81% (74% median) and the AEA ranged from 49 to 70% (58% median). Nearly 70% of stakeholders gave the same score to each of the top five research questions. The top five research priorities focused on effective norm-shifting interventions (NSIs) strategies, processes and indicators to NSIs, and NSI adaptation and scale-up. Conclusions: Using a collaborative and rigorous process with diverse representation from LMICs and implementers, we reached consensus on five priority research questions to guide future adolescent social norms research to improve healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs

Biology · Demographic economics · Developing country · Economic growth · Economics · Global health · Health care · Low and middle income countries · Low income · MEDLINE · Political science · Pregnancy · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Psychology

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