Students reported that unplanned pregnancy among young people is a concerning issue. The recommendations that they provided were very positive in addressing this issue. The most important point that students stressed was that both males and females need be exposed to the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy at a young age. Many students felt that young people should be provided with the consequences of unprotected sex at an early age as this will allow
them to think before they engage in sex. They were supportive of early sexual education. They also argued that young people should be provided with extra-curricular activities in and out of school to occupy their time.
“Display the negative consequences of having sex without a condom and contraception to young people, for example, syphilis, gonorrhoea, HIV and pregnancy. They need to shock them into reality and to wake up.” (Student #2)
“Talk to them (young people) and inform them about the consequences of unprotected sex like HIV. Take them to hospitals and show them how people are dying. Parents should talk to their children. Maybe create awareness by using people that have HIV/STIs to explain to them the dangers of unprotected sex. Young people are too stubborn.” (Student #17)
“Government and schools should have campaigns to expose them to consequences of pregnancy so that they can grow up knowing the consequences of early sex.” (Student
#20)
“Speak to parents or guidance counsellors to educate children in rural areas and provide them with extra-curricular activities.” (Student #8)
Others stated that people have different perceptions which are difficult to change. They argued that young people live on a day to day basis and do not think of their future so often. Their behaviours are influenced by their peers. They also reported that it is difficult to predict one’s actions as it may vary in the presence of one’s partner or boyfriend.
“It’s hard to change people’s attitudes. Media campaigns have tried. I think that there’s nothing that can help at the moment as people just do not want to use contraception because they live for today.” (Student #4)
“There is no way to do this. When you are with your partner, things change.” (Student
#18)
“There are not many things. They have a mind of their own. They should have motivational speakers at schools to explain their experiences to them and the attitudes of
‘it would not happen to me’.” (Student #5)
Students came up with innovative ideas to reduce pregnancy rates among young people. The most popular idea was that the media and other social networks should play a greater role in creating awareness around safe sex and contraceptive practices. Many students perceived the best way to do this would be through music, stating that this would be a fun yet effective approach. They argued that this is the best way to capture the attention of young people.
“Social networks should provide more programs. For example mxit should provide contraceptive information. Even cell phones, television and magazines should have advertisements. There should be more care lines with information about contraception.
Even music should promote contraception. For example, by a popular star that is idolized. This will definitely result in some action.” (Student #5)
“In order to reduce pregnancies among young people, education campaigns need to be more supportive of young women. The media needs to integrate music and fun to attract the attention and understanding of young people regarding their sexual practices and the importance of contraception.” (Student #8)
Students argued that young people are engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners and are falling pregnant because they are misled by the current images portrayed in the media. They reported that the media portrays sex to be impulsive and wild and that young people try to emulate these messages.
“Currently, the message that the media is passing on for example in songs and programs is the wrong message, for example, abortion is no big deal. They are promoting and saying that it is okay or normal to have sex after partying and to then have an abortion if they fall pregnant. Young people look up to these role models and copy their behaviour.”
(Student #5)
“Role models like celebrities in Generations, have sex and never talk about contraceptives, and are happy and they do not fall pregnant, or get HIV. They are promoting sexual behaviour without mentioning contraception or safe sex.” (Student #8)
Other students highlighted that young people need more information on sex and contraception.
They argued that nurses at clinics need to be supportive of young people in order to reduce the stigma associated with health facilities, as this will possibly reduce pregnancy rates among young people. They argued that by altering the perceptions of health providers young people will then be able to receive specialized sexual and reproductive health information.
“More information and awareness needs to be available on sex and contraception. Not the taboos of it. Professional people with diverse backgrounds should be available in clinics who can speak to us so that someone from your own background does not judge you. Nurses at the campus clinic are our last resort. Nurses need to be trained. A diversity of nurses is needed. Nurses are too biased and judgemental. As a Black African, you get judged when you go there. It turns into a counselling session with the nurses. Not a lot of information, but a lot of judgement.” (Student #6)
“There is a need to reduce the stigma towards young people. Nurses should stop being rude or judgmental. They should give you advice. Hence more young people would be on contraception.” (Student #13)
An important comment that a student made at the end of her interview was that information is widely available in contemporary society and that people should just behave irresponsibly. She argued that young people really have no justification for having an unplanned pregnancy.
“Unless you are raped...That is the only excuse for being a teenage mother or parent.”
(Student #8)
This comment suggests that young women are aware of the consequences of pregnancy. She suggested that there really is no justification for having an unplanned pregnancy at a young age.
Her argument strongly reflects the importance of awareness campaigns that stress the responsibility of young people.