Addressing Gender Disparities in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Scoping Review of Life Skills-Based Education in Pakistan

Gender Disparities in Adolescent Sexual Health

Authors

  • Bushra Anwar Director, BMY Health, Canada
  • Sayema Awais Program Officer Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health at World Health Organization, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Moeed Azwar Bhatti Medical Student Final Year, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila, Pakistan
  • Sania Ahmed Research Coordinator, BMY Health, Canada
  • Muhammad Bin Aslam Zahid Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila, Pakistan
  • Hafsa Malik Medical Student Final Year, HITEC Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51846/jucmd.v4iS.3657

Abstract

Objective: Adolescents in Pakistan face significant health risks due to factors such as sexual violence, forced marriages, and limited access to reproductive health education. Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) have been explored as strategies to enhance awareness and improve reproductive health outcomes. This scoping review examines existing research on LSBE programs in Pakistan, with a focus on gender disparities in their implementation and impact.

Methodology: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PakMediNet, and Popline for randomized, quasi-randomized trials, and evaluation studies on LSBE programs published in the past two decades. Studies included were those conducted in schools or communities to improve adolescents' life skills and reproductive health knowledge. Two independent reviewers assessed the papers to minimize bias. Given the limited availability of peer-reviewed studies (only three articles), relevant non-peer-reviewed literature was also incorporated into the final analysis.

Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting of research articles and NGO reports evaluating LSBE programs. These programs were associated with increased confidence, higher school attendance—especially among girls—and improved awareness of reproductive health rights. However, most interventions primarily targeted female adolescents, with limited focus on addressing the needs of boys, highlighting a gender disparity in program outreach.

Conclusion: While LSBE programs in Pakistan have demonstrated positive effects, the existing data is insufficient to conclusively determine their effectiveness in improving adolescent health outcomes. More rigorous research, including controlled experimental studies with reliable assessment tools, is needed to evaluate the impact of LSBE and CSE. Additionally, addressing the gender imbalance in program implementation is crucial to ensure equitable access to reproductive health education for all adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescent reproductive health, Gender disparities, Comprehensive sexuality education, Family life education, Life skills-based education.

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Published

08-02-2025

How to Cite

1.
Anwar B, Sayema Awais, Muhammad Moeed Azwar Bhatti, Sania Ahmed, Muhammad Bin Aslam Zahid, Hafsa Malik. Addressing Gender Disparities in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Scoping Review of Life Skills-Based Education in Pakistan: Gender Disparities in Adolescent Sexual Health. J Univ Coll Med Dent. [Internet]. 2025 Feb. 8 [cited 2026 Mar. 29];4(S):44-50. Available from: https://testjournals.uol.edu.pk/index.php/jucmd/article/view/3657

Issue

Special Issue: Volume 4 Issue S

Section

Review Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Bushra Anwar

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