Ph.D. (Social Work) / The problem stated by the candidate is twofold: * family planning programmes throughout the world have generally been unsuccessful; * the question arises as to whether social workers can contribute to family planning and population programmes and what such contribution should comprise. Family planning organisers are confronted with various problems when initiating a family planning programme and trying to ensure that it will function effectively - identifying the target group in terms of numbers and demographic and social characteristics; motivating the target group towards active participation in the family planning programme; motivation for active participation in the family planning programme by the target group, and maintaining of the contraceptive regimen by those already engaged in the family planning programme. Official statistics and research findings in respect of the first two problems are available in South Africa; no adequate information exists in regard to the latter problem according to which programme organisers can plan and operate. A review of research on family planning and population programmes conducted in South Africa and other countries was undertaken. This includes a study of the findings of various KAP investigations. An empirical investigation was undertaken on an aspect in the field of study of which there is insufficient knowledge - a study that is an individual contribution towards existing knowledge. On numerous occasions in this thesis it becomes evident that social workers, by virtue of their special knowledge, values and skills, can make a unique and professional contribution to the dissemination of family planning. One of the particular skills of the social worker is that of conducting interviews. The social worker also has the ability to motivate people towards change in their behaviour. The social worker can therefore, through personal interviewing, guidance and motivation of people, contribute to the expansion of the population programme in general and the family planning programme in particular...

Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproductive health matters. However, little research has been done particularly in South Africa to examine their knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. Research indicates that a substantial proportion of adolescent pregnancies are unintended or unwanted. Abortion and emergency contraception are both time-sensitive services. Thus having accurate and comprehensive knowledge about both abortion and emergency contraception is pivotal, in the case of unintended or unwanted pregnancy or when engaging in unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure that could lead to pregnancy. The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) defined reproductive health rights for both men and women as the right to "decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so" (p. 60). That is, men and women should "have the right to make decisions concerning their reproduction free of discrimination, violence and coercion" (ICPD, 1994, p.60). Based on these definitions, it is rather evident that comprehensive and accurate knowledge are at the core of one's ability to make an informed consent. This is confirmed by Adler's (1992, p. 289) definition of informed consent or choice "a) access to sufficient information b) understanding the information c) competence to evaluate potential consequences d) freedom to make a choice and e) the ability to make and express that choice". It is from this framework that this study emerged. The aim of this study was to examine adolescents' knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. The participants were Grade 11 learners between the ages of 15-24 years from five different schools in the Buffalo City Municipality. A sample of 514 was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive cross-tabulation, chi-square and qualitative methods where appropriate. The results revealed that most of the participants did not have sufficient accurate knowledge concerning the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, consequences of legal abortion and emergency contraceptive pills to make informed decisions. Furthermore, data also revealed that the participants' schools playa role in their sexual activity, their knowledge about the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and about emergency contraceptive pills. Although this method made it feasible for the researcher to make general assumptions, non-responses were one of the limitations of the study. Similar research in various municipalities/cities in and outside the Eastern Cape is recommended so as to increase further awareness concerning the level of knowledge that adolescents have about contraceptive pills particularly emergency contraceptive pills, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and abortion in general.