AUTHOR=Aduroja Posi Emmanuel , Afolabi Adebukunola Olajumoke , Bakare Ayobami Adebayo , Olabisi Oluwaseyi Isaiah , Atinga Atimi , Bashiru Hameed Akande , Solomon Abiola , Adufe Iyanu , Oghide Oziegbe , Okeke Oluchukwu Perpetual , Abodunrin Olunike Rebecca , Akinsolu Folahanmi , Sobande Olajide Odunayo 

TITLE=Prevalence of sexual coercion and associated factors among adolescents and young adults in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Reproductive Health

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2025.1697868

DOI=10.3389/frph.2025.1697868

ISSN=2673-3153

ABSTRACT=IntroductionSexual coercion is a major public health and human rights concern, yet its burden among African adolescents and young adults remains poorly synthesized. This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual coercion in this population and examine variations by gender, setting, and region.MethodsWe systematically searched Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and CINAHL for studies published between January 2000 and June 2025. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and appraised eligible studies. A narrative synthesis was integrated with a random-effects meta-analysis due to anticipated high heterogeneity to derive pooled prevalence estimates and conduct subgroup analyses.ResultsThirty-three studies involving 63,934 participants from 14 African countries were included. The pooled prevalence of sexual coercion was 20% (95% CI: 17%–23%). Females reported higher prevalence (23%) than males (19%). School-based studies showed greater prevalence (26%) compared with community-based studies (16%).DiscussionSexual coercion remains a major public health and human rights concern among African adolescents, particularly school-going females. Strengthening school- and community-based programs that integrate comprehensive sexuality education on consent, negotiation, and gender equality is essential. Developing a standardized, context-sensitive tool for measuring sexual coercion will also enhance evidence quality and policy response.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251067378, PROSPERO CRD420251067378.