Are gender role expectations, attitudes and beliefs associated with risky sexual behavior? a case of out of school adolescents in lusaka

The study was a cross sectional study aimed at examining gender role expectations, attitudes and beliefs associated with risky sexual behaviour among out of school adolescents. Using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, the study concentrated on 250 male and female adolescents aged 15 to 19 found in Jack and Hellen Kaunda compounds in Lusaka. Based on the study findings it was found that due to the cultural attitudes, values and gender role expectations, females are limited from pursuing satisfying safe and pleasurable sexual activities. Instead, these values and norms were found to have a strong influence on male sexual behaviors in the sense that such behaviors would include forcefully engaging someone to have sex with or without protection. One of the ecommendations brought out by the study was the involvement of stakeholders and private institutions in sensitizing girls and women through empowerment activities on how they can break free from the cultural attitudes, values and gender role expectations that would inhibit them from having the ability to negotiate for safe sex.