Introduction: Across the globe, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy, with approximately 105 in 1000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 giving birth. In these countries, more than 30% of women between the ages of 20 and 24 gave birth before they were 18 years oldFor the youth, teenage pregnancy is associated with poor maternal outcomes, as well as limited school attendance which may have future financial implications for the whole family.
The aim of the paper:This article explores and describes how parents from a rural area in South Africa perceive the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Methods:We conducted a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, purposively selecting and interviewing 20 parents of both boys and girls. After individually interviewing parents, we analysed the data using the Colaizzi method.
Results: Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews, namely, the effects of teenage pregnancy on parents, the prevention strategies and the role of parents in the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Parents emphasised the emotions of love and caring, frustration, exploitation, anger and helplessness. Parents raised the issue of the necessity of family, community and clinic support.
Conclusion:
In this study, we explored and described parental perspectives in the prevention of teenage pregnancy in a selected rural community. It is important to note that parents felt excluded from the problem and unable to communicate with their teenagers. These feelings were pervasive and prevented positive interactions between parents and teenagers, despite parents knowing how important it was to communicate with their teenagers. Parents felt that there was a definite need to establish a platform for positive communication. This platform should integrate families, education systems and healthcare.
Parents agreed that they should be actively involved in communicating with their teenagers on sex education. Additionally, parents recommended that affordable and accessible youth friendly services be provided. pregnancy in a selected rural community. It is important to note that parents felt excluded from