Awareness and attitudes of adolescents towards the use of intrauterine device in Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa
Intrauterine Devices and Sub-dermal Progestogen implants are long-acting reversible contraceptive methods that are highly effective and have the greatest potential to reduce unintended pregnancies. According to District Health Barometer, uptake of the intrauterine device is low across the country. There has been a noted increase in facility delivery rate from 15.4% to 16.2% among 10-19 years in Vhembe District. Effective contraception may reduce unintended pregnancy, the need for the termination of pregnancy, and the delivery rate among adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore awareness and attitudes of adolescents towards the use of intrauterine devices in Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa. A qualitative study approach was adopted in this study and an explorative qualitative descriptive design was applied. The study participants included mentally stable adolescent girls aged 12-19 years of age who were gathered in chill rooms of health centres to be educated by peer educators (Ground breakers) and for sporting activities in Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa. Nonprobability convenient sampling was used to recruit participants. A central question was asked by the researcher in a face-to-face individual interview to collect in-depth data. Data was analysed using six-phase guide thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by observing credibility, dependability, transferability, and conformability. Ethical principles were considered to safeguard the rights and well-being of participants. The findings of this study provided information for the Department of Health to plan reproductive health programs and to promote intrauterine device uptake among adolescents thereby reducing unintended pregnancies among adolescents.
Adolescents, Attitudes, Awareness, Contraception, Intrauterine device
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