Knowledge and attitudes of pregnant teenagers with regard to usage of contraceptives at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background The use of contraceptives among sexually-active teenagers in South Africa is known to be very poor and is currently estimated to be at a rate of 25% (DoH 2002). Teenagers who have unprotected sex are at a high risk of reproductive Health problems, such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, and unsafe abortion, amongst others (DoH 2002). Contraceptive use progressively declined between 2002 and 2004 among girls under 18 years in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province as a whole (Health Statistical Bulletin, 2004). Aim The aim was to determine knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of pregnant teenagers with regard to usage of contraceptives at the Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Method of data collection and analysis A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from pregnant clients aged 13-19 years of age. Data analysis was carried out by using the computer software called Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that lack of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of pregnant teenagers was a problem. Findings The findings of this study indicated that culture and attitude of nursing personnel were not the barriers. Barriers were “not having enough time to choose the method and just not being serious about contraception”. Thirty-six ix per cent (36%) of the participants said they had enough time to choose the method, but they did not choose. Sixty per cent (60%) said they were not serious about contraception, 40% said they were serious but did not use contraception. Married participants who did not hear about emergency contraception, the percentage was small, 6%, while the percentage of single women was higher (94%). Conclusion The study revealed that the participants had knowledge of contraceptives, both single and married; however, married women seemed to have negative attitudes towards contraceptives, based on the culture and the believe that, once married, the usage of contraception was not necessary. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that there should be effective ways of information giving to the public regarding family planning.