Abstract
Adolescent sexuality is a critical phase of human development, characterized by major biological, psychological, and social changes. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. This study aimed to assess adolescents’ perceptions of responsible sexuality. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 372 adolescents aged 12–17 years in the Bonzola Health Zone. Data were collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior and analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate generally positive perceptions of responsible sexuality, although some misconceptions remain, highlighting the need for context-appropriate sexual education programs.
References
1. Ajzen I. The theory of planned behavior. Organ Behav Hum Decis Process. 1991;50(2):179–211. doi:10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T.
2. Bearinger LH, Sieving RE, Ferguson J, Sharma V. Global perspectives on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents: Patterns, prevention, and potential. The Lancet. 2007;369(9568):1220–1231. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60367-5.
3. Nguyen H, Shiu CS, Farber N. Prevalence and correlates of adolescent pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(5):499–508.
4. OMS. Santé sexuelle et reproductive des adolescents. Genève: OMS; 2020.
5. UNESCO. International technical guidance on sexuality education: An evidence-informed approach. Paris: UNESCO Publishing. 2018.
6. Sawyer SM, Azzopardi PS, Wickremarathne D, Patton GC. The age of adolescence. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2018;2(3):223–228.
7. Mari K. Risk and protective factors for adolescent sexual and reproductive health. J Adolesc Health. 2016;53(6):742–751.
8. Kirby D. Research findings on programs to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Washington (DC): National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; 2007.
9. Agha S, et al. The effects of religious affiliation on sexual initiation and condom use in Zambia. J Adolesc Health. 2006;38(5):550–555.
10. Biddlecom AE, et al. Role of parents in adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use in four African countries. Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2012;33(2):72–81.
11. Kabiru CW, Orpinas P, Mmari K, Sabherwal S. The health and wellbeing of young people in sub-Saharan Africa: An under-researched area? BMC Int Health Hum Rights. 2013;17(1):1–8.
12. DiIorio C, Pluhar E, Belcher L. Parent–child communication about sexuality. J HIV/AIDS Prev Child Youth. 2007;5(3):7–32.
13. Jewkes R, et al. Hegemonic masculinity, violence, and gender equality. Men Masc. 2015;18(4):1–27.
14. Babalola S, et al. Influence of social norms on the use of modern contraceptives in sub-Saharan Africa. Stud Fam Plann. 2017;48(4):1–18.
15. Nyblade L, et al. Stigma in health facilities: Why it matters and how we can change it. BMC Med. 2019;17:25.
16. Pelletier J. Enquête sur les violences sexuelles. Étude IFOP pour la Fondation Jean-Jaurès. Paris: IFOP; 2018.
17. Ngunde J-CB, Mbembo B., Matondo A, Tshibangu DST, Mukandu BBL (2026). Connaissances, Attitudes et Pratiques des Etudiantes des Institutions
d’Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire de la Ville de Gbado-lite en RD Congo sur les Interruptions Volontaires de Grossesse (IVG). Rev. Sc. Sant. 5(1), 203-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.71004/rss.026.v5.i1.68
18. Maimouna M. Parler de la sexualité aux adolescents, pourquoi tant de gêne ? Le sexe selon Maia. Le Monde. 2023.
19. Musheke M, et al. Barriers to HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:220.
20. Fishbein M, Ajzen I. Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach. New York: Psychology Press; 2010.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tompa et al.
