Adolescence is a crucial stage of development in which young people experience a wide range of emotional, social, and physical changes. One significant aspect of this period is the exploration and emergence of reproductive health and behaviours. Alongside this, mental health and well-being are increasingly recognized as vital components of overall adolescent health and development. The intersection of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health is complex, dynamic, and multifaceted, with numerous social, cultural, and biological factors influencing these domains. Addressing this intersection remains a critical area of research, policy, and practice to promote healthy adolescent development and empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual, reproductive, and mental health.
In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents have greater risk factors and low access to health services that make them prone to such problems. This underscores the need to consider an integrated approach to address the sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems of adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa. These insights are pivotal for identifying novel approaches that are highly effective and well-tolerated for integrated services, to improve the relief of adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa from sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to bring together a range of contributions that explore the intersection of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health across diverse populations, settings, and perspectives. The articles contained within this collection will provide new insights and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being. They will also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, integrated approaches to address the complex and interrelated issues of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Therefore, we welcome original research articles, rapid communication, review articles, and policy and practice briefs, on the following topics:
• Determinates, challenges, and opportunities to access services among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The role of socio-structural factors in shaping adolescents' sexual and reproductive health outcomes and mental well-being in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Addressing determinants of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being in sub-Saharan Africa: policy and programmatic approaches.
• Intersections of sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities for integrated approaches.
• Mental health interventions for adolescents: exploring the synergy with sexual and reproductive health services.
Adolescence is a crucial stage of development in which young people experience a wide range of emotional, social, and physical changes. One significant aspect of this period is the exploration and emergence of reproductive health and behaviours. Alongside this, mental health and well-being are increasingly recognized as vital components of overall adolescent health and development. The intersection of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health is complex, dynamic, and multifaceted, with numerous social, cultural, and biological factors influencing these domains. Addressing this intersection remains a critical area of research, policy, and practice to promote healthy adolescent development and empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual, reproductive, and mental health.
In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents have greater risk factors and low access to health services that make them prone to such problems. This underscores the need to consider an integrated approach to address the sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems of adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa. These insights are pivotal for identifying novel approaches that are highly effective and well-tolerated for integrated services, to improve the relief of adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa from sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to bring together a range of contributions that explore the intersection of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health across diverse populations, settings, and perspectives. The articles contained within this collection will provide new insights and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being. They will also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, integrated approaches to address the complex and interrelated issues of adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Therefore, we welcome original research articles, rapid communication, review articles, and policy and practice briefs, on the following topics:
• Determinates, challenges, and opportunities to access services among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The role of socio-structural factors in shaping adolescents' sexual and reproductive health outcomes and mental well-being in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Addressing determinants of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being in sub-Saharan Africa: policy and programmatic approaches.
• Intersections of sexual and reproductive health and mental well-being among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities for integrated approaches.
• Mental health interventions for adolescents: exploring the synergy with sexual and reproductive health services.