Ethical challenges for piloting sexual health programs for youth in Hammanskraal, South Africa : bridging the gap between rights and services

摘要

This article describes challenges of conducting an HIV prevention program involving 40 male andfemale participants ages 12–18 in Hammanskraal, South Africa, aimed at increasing awareness andknowledge of laws protecting children’s sexual health rights and access to services through a culturallybased “study circle” format. Challenges highlighted by the project included Institutional ReviewBoard approval of youth consent procedures, cooperation and coordination with local policymakers, theneed to modify presentation materials to youths’ comprehension levels, availability of youth-basedsexual health service providers, and cultural ambiguity over parental involvement in youth health caredecisions and laws pertaining to sexual relationships among minors.