Social Interactions and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review

Background: Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health challenges, with social influences from peers, family, and the community shaping their sexual perceptions and behaviors. This systematic review examines key social factors affecting adolescent sexual behavior and their implications for sexual and reproductive health. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and conducted a comprehensive literature search across five major databases: CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ProQuest. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research exploring the relationship between social interactions and sexual behavior among adolescents aged 10–19 years or young adults aged 20–25 years. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E). Results: Of the 1,888 articles identified, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that peer influence has a significant impact on adolescent sexual behavior, particularly with respect to early sexual initiation and engagement in risky sexual activities. Family-related factors, such as parental monitoring and open communication about sexual health, also play an important role in shaping adolescents’ sexual decision-making. In addition, social stigma surrounding contraception and psychosocial factors, including emotional stress and social status, influence patterns of adolescent sexual behavior. Conclusion: Social interactions significantly influence adolescents’ sexual perceptions and behaviors, highlighting the need for multidimensional interventions that strengthen family communication, expand community-based sexual education, and reduce social stigma.