Teenage pregnancy: Risk-taking, contraceptive use and risk factors

Abstract

Five interviews with professionals working directly with the youth, specifically involved in intervention where sexuality is addressed, were conducted and formed part of a qualitative study. Interviews were conducted according to a semi-structured interview guide. The duration of the interviews was between 1 and 1.5 hours each, and professional experience of interviewees ranged between 2 and 35 years.

The aim of the study was to identify reasons for teenage pregnancy, as well as to examine existing services available to the youth with regards to sexuality. Participants were asked questions pertaining to the following themes related to teenage sexuality: The existence of resources, the accessibility of resources, the ability of teenagers to effectively utilize services within their current developmental phase, risk-taking behavior of teenagers and challenges faced in the system and in general.

Analysis took the form of meaning categorization, as responses were clustered into specific categories for analysis. Similarities as well as differences between responses were explored.

Sexual activity amongst teenagers is seen as a normal part of development. Results indicate that resources are relatively accessible to teenagers despite a lack of manpower, although it was noted that there is much room for improvement in the education system with regards to sexuality education. Youths with negative psycho-social circumstances were reported to be more vulnerable to risky sexual behavior, and negative risk-taking with or without contraceptives were found to be a common occurrence amongst teenagers. Some girls engage in risky sexual activity in an effort to prove their fertility, while others become pregnant as a result of continued risk-taking that previously cultivated no consequences.