title: Young adults' perceptions on life prospects and gender roles as important factors to influence health behaviour: a qualitative study from Karachi, Pakistan.
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions and expectations of young males and females, in Karachi, Pakistan, regarding their life prospects and gender roles, with resulting implications for health behaviour. The main theme emerging was "Young adults' prospects in life are hampered by psychosocial and gender equality constraints". Gender inequality and the low status of women in society were described as major obstacles to the overall development. Persistent withholding of information to the younger generation on sexual and reproductive health issues was perceived to increase exposure to health risks, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The present study reveals new discourses on equality among young adults, pointing towards an increasing, sound interaction between the sexes and aspirations for more gender equal relationships. Such views and awareness among the younger generation constitutes a strong force towards change of traditional norms, including reproductive health behaviour, and calls for policy change.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. farid.hasnain@aku.edu
authors.forename: Syed Farid-ul
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Hasnain
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mogren
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Krantz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D055815:Young Adult