Views of teenagers towards teenage pregnancy in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy occurring in girls aged 10-19 years remains a serious worldwide health problem. Stillbirths and newborn deaths
are 50% higher among infants born to adolescent mothers than among those born to mothers aged 20-29 years, which contributes
to the increased deliveries of newborn babies among females aged 10 to 19 years. The aim of the study was to gain understanding
of the views of teenagers towards teenage pregnancy in the Capricorn district, Limpopo province. A qualitative, explorative, and
descriptive study was adopted. The target population constituted 15 purposively selected male and female teenagers aged between
13 and 19 years, from three secondary schools. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analysed using the thematic
approach. An inductive thematic approach was used to identify common and recurring themes. Four themes emerged during data
collection namely: essentially, optionally, socio-cultural, and economic motivated influences. The findings showed that peer
pressure, lack of knowledge on sexual issues, social media, inadequate parental guidance and support, poor access to health
facilities, awkward operating hours, bad attitudes of nurses, and absence of youth-friendly services space contribute to the increased
number of teenage pregnancies.