The Role of Social Cultural Practices in Mitigating against Premarital Pregnancies and HIV/AIDS among the Adolescents in Selected Countries of the Globe. A Literature Review

Abstract

Succinctly, African societies are increasingly realizing the role that cultures can play in reducing, or mitigating the effects of teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. The aim of this article is to explore, debate and form discourse on the role of socio-cultural factors in mitigating the effects of teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. The article has utilized a review of literature methodology. The following socio-cultural aspects have been identified as factors that can have a positive effect in mitigating teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS: Cultural revival, renewal, reawakening and innovation; bolstering different cultures as a panacea to maintain chastity; reclaiming rites of passage; and adopting male circumcision. The article has given the following as a solution to strengthening socio-cultural factors to mitigate teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS: goodwill from the leaders; effectuating a cultural paradigm shift; and funding cultural activities.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1680