Adolescent GBV analysis quantitative dataset and qualitative data transcripts for two focused group discussions

In South Africa, gender-based violence (GBV) is a public health crisis, contributing to transmission of HIV, requiring urgent intervention. We evaluated the relationship between adolescents' attitudes toward GBV and their sexual behaviors, using a mixed-method approach. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM), 12 to19 years old from South Africa completed a socio-demographic, sexual risk behavior and a 5-statement GBV attitude scale questionnaire. In addition, two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore perceptions of GBV and qualitative data analysed thematically. Among 178 adolescents, most were AGYWs (n=118, 66.3%) and sexually active (n=131, 73.6%). In total, 80 (44.9%) had permissive attitudes toward GBV, of which 61 (76.3%) were AGYW. Many AGYW (n=38, 60.3%) also reported multiple sexual partners. Being AGYW and in a relationship were associated with permissive GBV attitudes. FGDs revealed participants understood the negative consequences of GBV, yet highlighted beliefs and socially ingrained male authority and economic dependence to being central toward the acceptance of GBV. Permissive GBV attitudes are shaped by financial hardship and relationship power imbalances, underscoring the importance of addressing GBV at home and in communities, through changing societal practices toward gender equality and improving female economic empowerment.