The perception of teenagers regarding teenage pregnancy in the Rehoboth district
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Date
2011
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide problem. Some of the consequences associated with teenage pregnancy are restriction in educational opportunities, reduced quality of life, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, social discrimination, and complicated labor and abortions. Regardless of the universal effort made by governmental and non-governmental agencies to prevent teenage pregnancies, teenagers still get pregnant. In Namibia the overall teenage pregnancy rate is 15% while in some regions this rate can be as high as 30% (Ministry of Health and Social Services & Macro International, 2008, p.50). In Rehoboth District, more than half of primigravida who gave birth in a period of six months were teenagers (Ministry of Health and Social Services, 2008). It is however unclear how teenagers perceive teenage pregnancy and what factors influence this perception. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of teenagers regarding teenage pregnancy in the Rehoboth District. The objectives for this study were to explore and describe the perceptions of teenagers regarding teenage pregnancy and to identify factors influencing the teenagers’ perceptions regarding teenage pregnancy in the Rehoboth District.
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design was used. The target population for this study was teenagers, males and females, in the Rehoboth District. The sample comprised 45 Grades 9 and 11 learners from two purposefully selected schools in the town of Rehoboth. Data were gathered using focus group discussions. Discussions were recorded and field notes taken until data were saturated. Data were analyzed using the Tesch’s open coding method. Throughout the data coding and analysis, the researcher was guided by supervisors who are experienced in the field of qualitative research.
The study revealed that teenagers were aware of factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and the prevention thereof. Factors influencing the teenagers’ perception regarding teenage pregnancy are parental role modeling, the need to maintain a relationship with someone of opposite sex, sexual pleasure, self respect, discipline and integrity, responsibility, and individual decision on when to start sexual activities and/or to get pregnant.
It is recommended that church leaders and other influential leaders in the community should establish social clubs that foster the prevention of unwanted or unplanned teenage pregnancies. It is also recommended that, together with social clubs, church leaders and other influential leaders in the community should establish a program that provides support to teenagers who fall pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Health
Keywords
Teenage pregnancy