Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a foundational component of overall well-being, encompassing the physical, emotional and social dimensions of sexuality and reproduction. Generating robust empirical evidence in this domain is essential for improving health outcomes by reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, lowering adolescent pregnancy rates, decreasing unintended pregnancy and abortion-related risks and ultimately reducing maternal and infant mortality. Progress in these areas directly supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which centres on good health and well-being. Despite advancements across southern Africa, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, continue to face critical SRH challenges. High HIV prevalence, pervasive gender-based and intimate partner violence, early sexual debut, unmet need for family planning, limited contraceptive use, and increasing rates of adolescent fertility all contribute to cycles of inequality and vulnerability. Unintended pregnancies often lead to unsafe abortions, further intensifying health risks for adolescent mothers. This scholarly book offers nuanced insights into these pressing issues, contributing valuable evidence to stimulate policy discourse and guide programme development. It equips policymakers, researchers and practitioners with the information needed to address intimate partner violence, multiple sexual partnerships, low condom use and other determinants shaping young people’s sexual behaviour in the region. The analyses presented support national and regional priorities aimed at reducing SRH disparities and fostering a more equitable society in southern Africa. Grounded in nationally representative data, primarily from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, this volume is an essential resource for scholars in population studies, demography, reproductive health and the broader social sciences.

This book is included in DOAB.