“We are on our own”: The neglected voices of the boy-child in adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Adolescent reproductive health activities and programmes have been made available to adolescents at schools, non-governmental organisations, and youth-friendly services. However, boys feel neglected as services are mostly catered for girls. This study reflects the neglected voices of a boy-child in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Vhembe District in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted using a cooperative inquiry design. The data were collected using the Lekgotla discussion method. Data were analysed using NVIVO software version 14 and five steps of thematic analysis were followed during the data analysis. The main themes were as follows: We are on our own, Distorted information on Boko (masturbation); boys don’t get pregnant”; Discussion about sex with elders is taboo; Programmes are centred around a girl-child. The findings revealed that boys felt isolated as they had to rely on friends to teach them methods of preventing pregnancy that can be used by boys, such as masturbation and pulling out. They also felt that discussing sex education with parents and teachers is taboo. It is, therefore, recommended that there is a need for the Department of Health Services to consider having boy-friendly services to assist boys in managing their sexuality.