Table 1
Normative hierarchy of adolescent risks in Kenya and Nigeria.
| RISK FACTOR | CONSEQUENCE VISIBILITY | PRIMARY ANTICIPATED SANCTION | PRIMARY BEHAVIOR RESPONSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy (Unintended) | High (Physically visible, public) | Family/Community Shame, School Interruption/Expulsion, Economic Hardship | Discreet hormonal contraception (secrecy) |
| Condom Use/Acquisition | Medium (Observable in purchase setting) | Moral Judgment, Stigma of Promiscuity (especially for males) | Avoidance of purchase/dual protection, shift of responsibility to partner |
| HIV Infection | Low (Invisible until disclosure) | Stigma/Discrimination (if status known), Health decline (distant concern) | Deferral of testing, Lower prioritization of prevention compared to pregnancy |
| Risk factor: The outcome or behavior adolescents seek to avoid because it carries social consequences. Consequence visibility: How easily the outcome or behavior becomes known to others. Primary anticipated sanctions: The social reactions expected if norms are violated (e.g., shame or judgment). Primary behavior response: The actions adolescents take to manage these risks. | |||