Sexual and reproductive health issues: exploring the perceptions of young women on their post-teenage pregnancy experiences.

Abstract

Other literature on young girls' pregnancy reveals that young girls' early pregnancy has become a global social problem, affecting children as young as 12 years of age. Various research studies have been conducted on the issues surrounding early sexual debut, teenage pregnancy, and early childbearing and its consequences. Yet, little has been done to understand the experiences of young women in their post-teenage pregnancy. Adding on the above statement, little has been done to explore these young women's perceptions of their experiences, especially in the Umbumbulu area, KwaZulu-Natal. Early sexual debut among young people is one of the contributing factors towards the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and early childbearing. Where these young mothers face the consequences of teenage pregnancy and early childbearing compared to their male counterparts. Teenage pregnancy and early childbearing are associated with various adverse outcomes for the young mother and the child. Therefore, this current research study aimed to explore and better understand young women's perceptions of their post-teenage pregnancy experiences in the Umbumbulu area. Furthermore, it looked closely at what could be done to improve the standard of living of young people with the sole aim to promote and enhance health social well-being. This research study found various factors considered to be the influencing factors in the increase of teenage pregnancy in this community. Namely: lack of communication, peer pressure, lack of knowledge and access to contraceptive methods, and alcohol drugs abuse. This study also reports on the challenges that young women face. It further recommends that community stakeholders in alliance with other government sectors consider developing programmes that will help young people prevent early pregnancies and encourage young people to further their education. Social Learning Theory, covered the important part of the research study, allowing the researcher to understand the social environment of the participants and how it has contributed to their experiences of early childbearing.