Childcare challenges faced by teenage mothers attending Nontyatyambo health-care center, Eastern Cape

Abstract

Teenage sexual activity is associated with pregnancy and child-care problems. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of teenage mothers attending Nontyatyambo Health Care Centre regarding child care. A quantitative approach using a convenient sample of forty teenage mothers aged 13-19 years, and their children residing in the Eastern Cape was undertaken. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that 74% of the participants fell pregnant at ages under 16 years. Sixty percent of the participants did not use any contraceptive devices before they were pregnant. Sixty-nine percent had problems looking after their children. Sixty one percent did not receive any form of support from the fathers of the children. The majority (71.8%) of the teen mothers stated that they had financial problems. The findings of the study indicated that teen mothers are in need of child care and financial support as well as contraceptive counselling. Health-care workers need to design specific programmes that will equip teenagers with education and skills relevant to child care, and financial resources and support. Educational and counselling programmes about contraceptive use to support parents of teens and teens themselves are also advised.

Keywords: Teenage, child care, contraceptive services, pregnancy rate, Eastern Cape, South Africa.