To my supervisor, Prof Pranitha Maharaj, thank you for all the help and guidance. In southern Africa, youth pregnancy rates are high even as total fertility rates have fallen.
Background
Recent evidence suggests that the fertility rates of young people aged 15-29 increased from 1996 to 2001 (Statistics South Africa, 2001). Their study indicates that contraceptive practices among young people in sub-Saharan Africa are a major issue.
Aims and objectives
More research is needed to understand the driving forces behind the high rate of unplanned pregnancies among young people, despite efforts such as loveLife and many other campaigns to raise awareness of the risk of unprotected intercourse (Pettifor, 2005).
Theoretical Framework
Finally, the length of the fertile period is the most obvious period in which a woman will become pregnant; during ovulation, when the egg is most fertile. These are the fundamental assumptions of the theory of planned behavior that can be used to provide a deeper understanding of young people's attitudes and behaviour.
Organization of the Dissertation
This theory illustrates that young people have very strong normative beliefs that outweigh their control beliefs (Ajzen, 2006). For example, youth highly value the opinions of their peers and significant others in their social environments (Lloyd, 2005).
Introduction
Factors contributing to the decline in fertility
There are many factors that have contributed to the decline in birth rates in South Africa. However, women in South Africa (as well as in other parts of the world) still experience pressure from their partners and other family members to prove their fertility and have children as a future investment to ensure old age (Connell, 1998; Lloyd, 2005).
Factors influencing fertility in poor developing countries
- Fertility and early sexual debut amongst the younger generation
- Culture and gender norms
- Use of Contraception
- Older partners
A very recent study by Mantell et al., (2009) found that men and women in South Africa are socialized differently. This is a serious problem as it is unsafe and allows for the transmission of STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancies (Ott et al., 2006).
Summary
Introduction
Contextual Background
This is one of the main reasons why the study decided to interview only young women between the ages of 18 and 24, as they are at increased risk of HIV infection and unplanned pregnancy (Human Sciences Research Council, 2009). This study focused on one particular institution as a research site because it was convenient for the researcher visiting the institution. Furthermore, KwaZulu Natal has the highest number of young people between the ages of 13 and 22 (Statistics South Africa, 2009).
Women were chosen to identify the possible reasons they believe contribute to high fertility rates and unplanned pregnancies among young people. It was important to explore women's perceptions regarding factors that influence high fertility rates, as they bear the responsibility for childbearing.
Research Methods
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Ethical Considerations
- Limitations of the Study
It is also possible that the interview is influenced by the researcher's personal characteristics, as interviewees may simply say what they think the researcher wants to hear. This sampling method allows the researcher to obtain the target sample more quickly, which stimulates the research process. Students were personally approached by the researcher within the educational institution and asked whether they were willing to participate in the study.
All interviews lasted approximately thirty minutes and were conducted solely by the researcher. It is possible that students may not have been telling the whole truth or may have simply said what they thought the researcher wanted to hear.
Summary
Introduction
Sample Characteristics
In addition, the findings suggest that some students were in a relationship and were currently sexually active. However, she intended to become sexually active with her partner because she felt that she was now ready to engage in sexual relations with him and because she trusted him and knew him well enough to want to have sex with him . One sexually active student who was in a relationship said that she does not use any form of contraception as she claims that she knows before her partner ejaculates and that it prevents her from getting pregnant and has worked so far.
She said she only uses the morning-after pill (emergency contraception) after unprotected sex and only sometimes uses a condom. However, only one student from the entire sample stated that she always uses condoms in her intercourse as a means to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
Perceptions of pregnancy
Some people blamed the child support grant money for rising teenage pregnancy rates. They argued that this is the best way to attract the attention of young people. The students interviewed presented a number of reasons for the high rates of teenage pregnancy.
One of the main factors influencing unplanned pregnancies among young people is that of risky sexual behavior (Santelli, Robin, Brener and Lowry 2001). The study found that young people identified unplanned pregnancies among young people as a major problem. This study showed that young people consider unplanned pregnancy as a big problem among young people.
Studies have shown that multiple sexual partners are increasing among young people (Nshindano and Maharaj, 2008). What do you think is contributing to the high rates of teenage pregnancy? Do you think young people who are sexually active are using a contraceptive method?
Fears of unplanned pregnancy
Factors increasing the risk of pregnancy
The students identified many reasons that contributed to the high rates of teenage pregnancy. Students claimed that young people on campus are influenced by their environment, as it is assumed that all young people are having sex. It was not uncommon for young men on campus to engage in sexual intercourse.
Students explained that peer pressure is one of the main factors pushing young people to have sex at a young age. Many young people engage in sex because they are under a lot of pressure to fit in with the group.
Factors inhibiting risk of pregnancy
They do not want to disappoint their parents and are therefore resistant to certain pressures. But many do not want to go to clinics because they are afraid of being judged, so they end up not using contraception and get pregnant." If they have little knowledge of their partners and do not fully trust them, they are more likely to use condoms.
They explained that they are not receiving quality services and are not getting the kind of attention that they need. They also use the morning-after pill because they do not want to be stigmatized and are afraid of family ostracism and boyfriend rejection.” (Student #3).
Attitudes to abortion
However, they don't think about STIs or HIV and increase their risk of contracting. One student, who claimed that the pill is the most common, argued that people do not use the condom with this method and therefore do not protect themselves from STIs (including HIV/AIDS). They explained that their partners often do not want them to have an abortion, even though they are not willing to share the responsibility of raising a child.
Women turn to abortion because they do not want to bring shame to their families. Students argued that many people on campus will not admit that they have had an abortion and that this does not mean that abortion does not exist within this environment.
Consequences of pregnancy
They highlighted that abortion is more common today because people are aware of the consequences and responsibilities that come with giving birth. Their families still allow them to earn a better life and take on the responsibility of caring for their child. Others argued that these young women end up resenting their children, who become a huge liability as they are constantly reminded of their mistakes.
When the girl is in her third year, she goes back to complete her studies. Young women often experience the stigma associated with having a child before marriage and feel guilty for “bringing shame to the family.”
The role of young men
In addition, they argued that contraceptive methods do not ease the burden of responsibility on women since most methods are made for women. Another student argued that men are often not involved in pregnancy prevention because women have accepted such behavior and do not expect men to take responsibility for using a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. They don't care and just want to have sex and move on.
Women no longer respect themselves and have lowered their standards, therefore men are easily attracted to them. Students claimed that men do not accept responsibility for the pregnancy and choose not to practice safe sex.
Student Recommendations
They also argued that young people should be given extracurricular activities, both in and out of school, to occupy their time. They argued that young people live from day to day and do not think about their future very often. Students argued that young people have unprotected sex with multiple partners and become pregnant because they are misled by current media images.
They reported that the media portrays sex as impulsive and wild, and that young people try to emulate these messages. They argued that nurses in clinics need to support young people to reduce the stigma associated with health facilities, as this may reduce pregnancy rates among young people.
Summary
She suggested that there really is no excuse for an unplanned pregnancy at a young age. Her argument strongly reflects the importance of awareness campaigns that emphasize youth responsibility.
Discussion
This study uses qualitative methods to understand the reasons for the high total fertility rate among young people. Young people who become sexually active at a young age are more likely to have multiple partners. A study by Maharaj (2006) found that young people in KwaZulu Natal fear an unplanned pregnancy in the near future.
This suggests that HIV prevention efforts have not been very successful in changing youth behavior. Students depicted that the media had a huge influence on the sexual behavior of young people.
Conclusion
This makes it worse as young people will still experiment in sex regardless of their culture. In addition, schools should maintain guidance counselors to also educate young people about sex and reproduction. Furthermore, sex education at school is seen as a key function in providing young people with a better understanding of sex (Family Health International, 2000).
The influence of peers is another aspect that also plays a role in influencing high pregnancy rates among young people. It is common for young people to have sex at a young age due to external pressures such as peer pressure (Steele, 1999; Nshindano and Maharaj, 2008).
Recommendations
Healthcare services also need to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people more effectively. Therefore, students reported that nurses need to be more professional in meeting the needs of young people. They identified this as a major obstacle in preventing young people from accessing sexual and reproductive services.
Reasons for condom use among young people in KwaZulu-Natal: prevention of HIV, pregnancy or both. Adolescent sexual health in South Africa: HIV prevalence and sexual behavior from a nationally representative household survey.
