Understanding the influence of comprehensive sexual education interventions on teenage pregnancies amongst adolescent girls in Bolebedu, Limpopo Province

Background: Improving teenagers’ knowledge on sexual health and reproductive health is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. Purpose: The study aimed to understand the influence of comprehensive sexual education intervention programs on teenage pregnancies, amongst adolescent girls in Bolobedu, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A qualitative research approach and an explorative descriptive research design was followed in this study. The targeted population in this study was adolescent girls, between the ages of 14 to 21 years. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants, and fifth teen (15) teenage girls were sampled. Sampling was determined by saturation of data, and data saturation was reached on participants nine (9) were interviewed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, field notes were taken; afterwards the voice recording was transcribed, and inductive coding was used for data analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness in a qualitative study which is credibility, transferability, dependability, conformability and triangulation were followed. Ethical considerations, such as the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for participants -were adhered to. The recommendations made at the end were based on the study's findings. Findings: Findings revealed that adolescent girls had insufficient information on different sexual intervention programs, hence, were ignorant about the different SHE programs, which contributed to their inability to exploit available knowledge for their self-development. Furthermore – non-awareness of their right to self-determination, lack of comprehension of available sexual education literature, and poor under-developed decision-making skills – had contributed to their attitudes toward accessing sexual health information. This state of affairs was indicated as arising from, no sexual education at home and limited exposure to the topic in schools. Recommendations: Implementing of sexual health programs should be intensified, using a multi-sectoral approach by government and non-governmental organizations. The Departments of Health and Education should work together to ensure effective sexual education interventions.

Author dc:creator

• Mkhonto, Tlangelani Noisy

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Ramathuba, D. U.
• Mbedzi, T. E.

• Contraceptives
• Education
• Health
• Knowledge
• Teenagers
• Pregnancy
• Sexuality
• UCTD

Statement dc:rights

• University of Venda

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3044

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:univendspace.univen.ac.za:11602/3044