Experiences of sex and contraception education in young women from semi-rural areas in Pietermaritzburg who have experienced early and unintended pregnancy.

Abstract

Early and unintended pregnancy (EUP) is a world-wide concern affecting both developed and developing countries. This study explored the experiences of sexual activity and contraceptive use in relation to early and unintended pregnancy. It aimed to understand young women’s experiences of sex and contraceptive education, in relation to early and unintended pregnancy. The data for this study was collected from individual interviews with four young women. This study took a qualitative approach to explore how young women made sense of their early and unintended pregnancy experiences. Simultaneously, this study used an interpretivist paradigm, which places importance on the notion that people’s experiences are better understood from within their immediate context. Thematic analysis was used to identify and report themes or patterns that were found in the data. Findings revealed that sexual reproductive health education and culture play a significant role in early and unintended pregnancy. The discovery of the pregnancy by young women further hinders their relationship with the baby’s father which may lead to the consideration of termination. Post-pregnancy experiences indicate that some women only use one contraceptive method which might be the pill or injection and not the condom, whereas some use the dual method. The study revealed that there is a need for parents to be taught about the importance of talking to their children about sex, and for sex education in schools to begin at a much earlier stage. The study further recommends possible steps that could be taken to ensure that early and unintended pregnancy can be better understood and supported.