title: The importance of social science research in protecting adolescents' sexual and reproductive choice.
abstract: This paper reviews the ways in which social science research findings can influence action in the areas of reproductive health and rights. Essentially, social science research: (a) establishes the levels and patterns of behaviours, attitudes or perceptions; (b) explores factors underlying these behaviours, attitudes and perceptions; (c) explains programme and organisational impediments constraining, in practice, the exercise of informed choices or the acquisition of preventive and curative services; (d) monitors the extent to which interventions have been successful in modifying behaviours, attitudes or perceptions, and (e) facilitates an understanding of the policy, social and legal arenas that impinge on the determinants and consequences of reproductive choice. Findings highlight possible courses for legal, policy or programmatic interventions. Such research has enormous relevance for our understanding of reproductive and sexual health, and the health-seeking choices that women and men--from adolescent to adult--make in various settings, the constraints they face in making these choices, and the kinds of interventions that might enhance choices given the prevailing sociocultural context. Focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and choice, the paper concludes that social science research findings are fundamental for informing efforts to protect reproductive rights.
authors.affiliation: UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank, World Health Organisation, Geneva.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Jejeebhoy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006285:Health Planning; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012942:Social Sciences; D016387:Women's Health