Impact of Gender Role Attitudes on Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes of Adolescents in India: Evidence from UDAYA Longitudinal Survey

Sangram Patel, Population Council Institute
K.G. Santhya, Independent Researcher
Nicole A. Haberland, Population Council

Despite potential policy implications, there is limited research on the impact of gender role attitudes on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among adolescent girls and young women. This study examines the effects of gender role attitudes on sexual and reproductive health outcomes in India over time. A sample of 1551 unmarried girls and 5808 married girls were drawn from the UDAYA study, a longitudinal study of adolescents aged 10-19 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, conducted during 2015-2016 (Wave 1) and 2018-2019 (Wave 2). We used lagged logistic regression models to study the influence of gender role attitudes on different SRH indicators overtime. Findings highlight that egalitarian attitudes positively influence various SRH practices and outcomes. Adolescent girls with high egalitarian attitudes in Wave 1 had a 43% higher odds of delaying marriage, a 17% higher odds of seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and a 2.7-fold increase in comprehensive HIV knowledge by Wave 2. Furthermore, egalitarian attitudes enhanced decision-making ability, exercise of choice in partner selection, use of modern contraceptives, and reduced intimate partner violence among married girls. The study recommends investment in evidence-based programs promoting gender equality and improving adolescents' sexual and reproductive health.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Longitudinal studies , Gender Dynamics

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