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Learning Objective #1: Identify socio-cultural factors that influence adolescents sexual socialization, sexuality and sexual behaviour.

Learning Objective #2: Discuss interventions that will minimize or remove the harmful practices so as to enhance the sexual health of adolescents.

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ABSTRACT THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO –CULTURAL FACTORS ON ADOLESCENTS SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS An exploratory descriptive study which triangulated quantitative and qualitative methods revealed the socio-cultural factors that impact on population and development. This paper will discuss the socio- cultural factors that influence adolescent’s sexual socialization, sexuality and sexual behavior. A total sample of 1046 students was randomly selected from junior and senior secondary schools selected from different geographical, economic, and ethnic settings in Botswana. All secondary schools in the country were used as the sampling frame and the sampling procedure was guided by the national census track, and the country was divided into seven regions. Students had to complete a questionnaire. Also 16 youth focus groups, half of which were either in school or out of school youth were conducted. Twenty (20) focus groups consisting of community leaders and parents were conducted in localities where schools were selected. Twenty one in-depth interviews were carried out among community leaders (chiefs, politicians and business people). A population interactive model was utilized. The findings revealed how young people sexual and reproductive health behavior and sexual socialization were shaped by the prevailing socio-cultural beliefs, values and practices. Areas covered in the study included: Virginity, sex for love, gifts to female partner, marriage, age at first sexual intercourse, infertility, family size, STD’s, genital manipulations, multiple partners, family planning and other risky behaviors. Implications for health and educational services are outlined.