Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS): study of gender norms and behaviors among early adolescents in Brazil

Abstract

This proposal is about including Brazil in the Global Early Adolescent Study - GEAS. Launched in 2014, the GEAS is the first international study focused on gender norms, health, and social outcomes among early adolescents (10 to 14 years-old). The GEAS includes a two-phase process. Phase 1, completed in June 2016, included the formative research, which took place in 15 countries, not including Brazil. The objectives were to develop and validate a set of cross-cultural instruments assessing gender norms (norms about masculinities, femininities and vignettes about typical relationships) and health in early adolescence, with a focus on sexuality, sexual health, mental health and gender based violence. Phase II, is a 3-year longitudinal study with 1,400 adolescents aged 10-14, which is being proposed to take place in Brazil. The goal of the longitudinal phase of GEAS is to understand the factors in early adolescence that predispose young people to health risks and conversely that promote healthy behaviors and improved life options. While Brazil was not part of the first phase of the study, there is opportunity for it to join now, along with other new countries, and benefit from the instruments and findings from Phase 1. So, we now present the groundwork for the longitudinal study by translating all the instruments developed in the other countries; by adapting them to the Brazilian context in workshops with experts and same age adolescents; pre-tests; pilot study; and the conduction of the first round of interviews, that will be the baseline. Other rounds of interviews to comprise the longitudinal study will be conducted later, once funding is assured. This is an opportune time for Brazil's participation in GEAS due to the challenges currently facing the long-term effects on the younger generation concerning gender norms and consequently on the level of sexual and reproductive health through adolescence. (AU)