Tackling the Triple Threat in Kenya: Factors Associated with Protection against HIV Risk, Gender-Based Violence, and Pregnancy among Adolescent Girls and Young Women

Publish Year
2025
Publisher
AIDS and Behavior
Description

This article explores factors that protect adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) from the interconnected risks of HIV exposure, gender-based violence (GBV), and adolescent pregnancy in Kenya. The study finds that gender-equitable attitudes, food security, and strong parental monitoring are all associated with lower risks of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child marriage, and adolescent pregnancy, with the strongest protective effects observed when all three factors are present together. It highlights the value of gender-transformative approaches, economic security, and supportive family environments in reducing overlapping risks faced by girls and young women and provides evidence for integrated policies that advance both gender equality and HIV prevention.