A scoping review of strategies for adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health role modelling

Abstract

Background: Individuals strive to maintain their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) by being exposed to correct information, having access to contraceptives, and promoting safe sex practices. Adolescent SRH promotion efforts should consider the influence of role models. This review explored the availability and nature of strategies and programmes on adolescents’ SRH role modelling and described them using a scoping review. Methods: Studies were retrieved from four databases and grey literature through a search of 223 studies. The databases included EBSCO-host, Medline, Sabinet, and Pubmed. Data extraction was guided by a data-extraction tool adapted from the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The characteristics of the selected studies were recorded in a Microsoft spreadsheet. Eleven studies published between 2014 and 2022 were included for the final review and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Selected articles focused on adolescents’ SRH; however, only two studies focused particularly on role modelling. Nonetheless, some aspects of the findings and recommendations presented could be extrapolated to adolescents’ SRH role modelling. This includes adolescent–parent communication on SRH, community engagement, mentoring, positive role modelling, and information sharing through media campaigns. Conclusion: There is a lack of literature on SRH role modelling because most studies did not focus on role modelling as an aspect of SRH. Therefore, research needs to be conducted on strategies and programmes focusing on SRH modelling. Contribution: The findings of this scoping review may encourage the development and implementation of strategies and programmes targeting adolescents’ SRH throughout diverse communities to promote adolescent SRH.

Keywords

• adolescents
• sexual and reproductive health
• role modelling
• adolescent role models
• reproductive health