Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the intersection of disability and gender: being intellectually disabled and being a young woman. It specifically, explores the lives of intellectually disabled young women and sexuality. This study attempts to explore the contributions that intellectually disabled young women can make to the understanding of the sexuality needs and concerns of young women with intellectual disability. It is an attempt to make public their needs and concerns regarding sexuality issues as they have been recognised to be the ultimate lost voices in disability research, and have historically been excluded in the production of sexuality knowledge. A mixed method approach is used, where the data for the research was produced during interviews with 21 participants between the ages of 18 and 23. A focus group discussion was also held. All the women were either current learners or past learners at a school for “mentally handicapped learners”. Ten mothers were interviewed with regard to their views on sexuality and their intellectually disabled daughters. A questionnaire was given to 12 teachers to complete as well. Involving mothers and teachers is an attempt to establish the dominant views of the significant persons and professionals in the lives of these young women, including those who are directly and indirectly responsible for their sexuality education. In interviews and the focus group, study participants discussed the various social messages they receive, as intellectually disabled persons, with regard to domains of sexuality: friendship, dating, and marriage. The participants gave insight into the levels of their knowledge with regards to sex and sexuality education, menstruation, contraception, pregnancy and childbirth, and sexually transmitted infections. The young women shared their predominantly negative experiences of being stereotyped, with some participants expressing their resentment. Their low levels of social, biological, and physiological sexuality knowledge make appropriate sexuality education a priority. The study concludes with recommendations regarding the type of sexuality education the young women propose and suggested responses for special schools. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie focus op die kruispad van gestremdheid en geslag: om intellektueel gestremd en om ‘n jong vrou te wees. Dit ondersoek spesifiek die lewens van intellektuele gestremde jong vroue en seksualitiet. Hierdie studie poog om die bydraes te verken wat intellektueel gestremde jong vrouens kan maak om die seksualiteitsbehoeftes en bekommernisse van jong vrouens met intellektuele gestremdheid te verstaan. Dit is ‘n poging om hulle behoeftes en bekommernisse oor seksualitiet hoorbaar te maak omdat dit as die opperste verlore stem in navorsing oor gestremdheid uitgewys is, en hulle histrories van die generering van kennis oor seksualitiet uitgesluit is. Die benadering is ‘n gemengde metode waartydens data vir die navorsing gedurende onderhoude met 21 deelnemers tussen die ouderdomme van 18 en 23 jaar gegenereer is. ‘n Fokusgreopbespreking is ook gehou. Al die vroue is òf huidige òf vorige leerders van ‘n skool vir “versatndelike gestremde leerders”. Onderhode is met tien moeders gevoer ten opsigste van hulle beskouings oor seksualitiet en hulle verstandelik gestremde dogters. ‘n Vraelys is ook vir 12 onderwysers gegee om te voltooi. Die moeders en onderwysers is betrek in ‘n poging om die heersende beskouings van die betekenisvolle persone en professionele mense in die lewens van hierdie jong vrouens te bepaal, insluitend diegene vat direk en indirek vir hulle seksualiteitsopvoeding verantwoordelik is. Tydens die onderhoude en fokusgroepbespreking het die deelnemers aan die studie die onderskeie social boodskappe wat hulle as verstandelik gestremde persone kry, bespreek met verwysing na die domeine van seksualitiet: vriendskap, uitgaan en die huwelik. Die deelnemers het lig gewerp op hulle vlakke van kennis oor seks en seksualiteitsonderrig, mesntuasie, voorbehoeding, swangerskap en kindergeboorte, en seksueel oordraagbare infeksies. Die jong vroue het hul oorwegend negatiewe ervarings van stereotipering gedeel, en sommige deelnemers het hulle afkeer uitgespreek. Hulle lae vlakke van sosiale, biologiese en fisiologiese kennis van seksualiteit maak toepaslike seksualiteitsvoorligting ‘n prioriteit. Die studie sluit af met aanbevelings oor die tipe seksualiteitsopvoeding wat die jong vroue voorstel en stel wyses voor waarop spesiale skole kan reageer.

INTRODUÇÃO: Doenças reumáticas, como a artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) podem afetar significativamente a vida sexual do indivíduo. A inflamação e a fadiga associadas com artrite crônica podem levar à disfunção articular, contraturas musculares, diminuição da força muscular e uma variedade de deformidades que podem comprometer a sexualidade. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar, desenvolver e aplicar um questionário auto-aplicativo com o intuito de avaliar a vida sexual de uma população homogênea de pacientes do sexo masculinos com AIJ poliarticular e fator reumatóide negativo. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Um questionário autoaplicativo de avaliação sexual masculina (QASM) foi desenvolvido por um painel de experts e aplicado a todos os pacientes e controles, relativo a aspectos funcionais e comportamentais da sexualidade e satisfação sexual masculina. Foram avaliados pacientes do sexo masculino com AIJ poliarticular com fator reumatóide negativo conforme os critérios do ILAR de 2004 e doença inativa. A inatividade da doença foi definida como inflamação em pelo menos uma articulação e velocidade de hemossedimentação elevado nos últimos três meses. Como grupo controle foram avaliados 120 adolescentes e jovens do sexo masculino pareados por idade e classe sócioeconômica. O HAQ foi aplicado em todos os pacientes. Teste t-student, quiquadrado, exato de Fisher e não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney foram utilizados e P<0,05 foi considerado significante. RESULTADOS: Trinta e dois pacientes com AIJ poliarticular, FR-, com média de idade de 20,8 ± 3,8 anos e tempo médio de duração da doença igual a 15,4 ± 3,6 anos foram avaliados. A prática de masturbação foi similar nos pacientes e controles (87,5% vs. 91%, p>0,999) e dor articular foi observada em apenas 2 pacientes com AIJ (7%). Relação sexual regular (no mínimo 1x/semana) foi mencionada por 78% dos pacientes com AIJ e por 62% dos controles (p=86). Dor articular durante a relação sexual foi significativamente mais freqüente nos 48% dos pacientes vs. 3% dos controles (p<0,001), sendo nos pacientes em quadris (n=3), joelhos (n=5) e ambos quadris e joelhos (n=4) e nos punhos de 2 controles. Reforçando este achado, a média de pontuação do HAQ foi maior nos pacientes com dor articular durante a relação sexual (1,82 ± 0,27 vs. 1,43 ± 0,32; p=0,007) e durante a masturbação (2 + 0,17 vs. 1,58 + 0,3; p=0,019). Notavelmente, desejo e satisfação sexuais estavam preservados em todos os pacientes e controles. CONCLUSÃO: Nos nossos pacientes com AIJ poliarticular FR -, o QASM foi aplicável e mostrou que a sexualidade está preservada, apesar do longo tempo de doença, morbidade, disfunção e dor articular / INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may significantly affect a person´s sexual life. Both inflammation and fatigue associated with persistent arthritis may lead to joint impairment, muscular contractures, reduced muscular strength and a variety deformities which may affect the sexuality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elaborate, develop and apply a self-admisnistered questionnarie in order to evaluate sexual life of a homogeneous population of male patients with rheumatoid factor (RF) negative polyarticular JIA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self applied questionnarie of male sexual evaluation (MSEQ) was developed by a group of experts and was applied to all the patients and control group, relating to functional and behavior aspects of male sexuality and sexual satisfaction. A cohort of male patients with RF negative polyarticular JIA according to 2004 ILAR revised criteria and inactive disease was studied. The inactive disease was considered as absence of any synovitis associated to low ESR for at least three months. As control group 120 male adolescents and youths subjects age-matched with same socioeconomic status were evaluated. HAQ was applied to all patients.Tstudent, chi-square, Fishers exact and non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests were perfomed and p<0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Thirty two (32) patients with polyarticular JIA, FR-, mean age 20.8 + 3.8 yrs (16-26 yrs), mean disease duration = 15.4 ± 3.6 yrs (13-20 yrs) were assessed. Masturbation practice was similar among patients and controls (87,5% vs. 91%, p>0,999) although joint pain was solely observed in 2 JIA individuals (7%). Regular sexual intercourse (at least 1x/week) was mentioned by 78% JIA patients and 62% controls (p=0.86). Joint pain during intercourse was more frequent in 48% patients vs. 3% controls (P<0.001), in patients on hips (n=3), knees (n=5), both hips and knees (n=4), and in the controls on wrist (n=2) . Reforcing this findings, the mean HAQ score was higher on 12 patients with joint pain during intercourse and during masturbation comparing to 13 without joint pain (1.77 ± 0.31 vs. 1.2 ± 0.14; p<0.05). Notabily desire and sexual satisfaction were preserved in all the patients and control group. CONCLUSION:In this cohort of male patients with RF- polyarticular JIA, MSEQ was applicable and showed that sexual life is preserved, despite long term disease, morbidity, dysfunction and joint pain

INTRODUÇÃO: Doenças reumáticas, como a artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) podem afetar significativamente a vida sexual do indivíduo. A inflamação e a fadiga associadas com artrite crônica podem levar à disfunção articular, contraturas musculares, diminuição da força muscular e uma variedade de deformidades que podem comprometer a sexualidade. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar, desenvolver e aplicar um questionário auto-aplicativo com o intuito de avaliar a vida sexual de uma população homogênea de pacientes do sexo masculinos com AIJ poliarticular e fator reumatóide negativo. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Um questionário autoaplicativo de avaliação sexual masculina (QASM) foi desenvolvido por um painel de experts e aplicado a todos os pacientes e controles, relativo a aspectos funcionais e comportamentais da sexualidade e satisfação sexual masculina. Foram avaliados pacientes do sexo masculino com AIJ poliarticular com fator reumatóide negativo conforme os critérios do ILAR de 2004 e doença inativa. A inatividade da doença foi definida como inflamação em pelo menos uma articulação e velocidade de hemossedimentação elevado nos últimos três meses. Como grupo controle foram avaliados 120 adolescentes e jovens do sexo masculino pareados por idade e classe sócioeconômica. O HAQ foi aplicado em todos os pacientes. Teste t-student, quiquadrado, exato de Fisher e não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney foram utilizados e P<0,05 foi considerado significante. RESULTADOS: Trinta e dois pacientes com AIJ poliarticular, FR-, com média de idade de 20,8 ± 3,8 anos e tempo médio de duração da doença igual a 15,4 ± 3,6 anos foram avaliados. A prática de masturbação foi similar nos pacientes e controles (87,5% vs. 91%, p>0,999) e dor articular foi observada em apenas 2 pacientes com AIJ (7%). Relação sexual regular (no mínimo 1x/semana) foi mencionada por 78% dos pacientes com AIJ e por 62% dos controles (p=86). Dor articular durante a relação sexual foi significativamente mais freqüente nos 48% dos pacientes vs. 3% dos controles (p<0,001), sendo nos pacientes em quadris (n=3), joelhos (n=5) e ambos quadris e joelhos (n=4) e nos punhos de 2 controles. Reforçando este achado, a média de pontuação do HAQ foi maior nos pacientes com dor articular durante a relação sexual (1,82 ± 0,27 vs. 1,43 ± 0,32; p=0,007) e durante a masturbação (2 + 0,17 vs. 1,58 + 0,3; p=0,019). Notavelmente, desejo e satisfação sexuais estavam preservados em todos os pacientes e controles. CONCLUSÃO: Nos nossos pacientes com AIJ poliarticular FR -, o QASM foi aplicável e mostrou que a sexualidade está preservada, apesar do longo tempo de doença, morbidade, disfunção e dor articular / INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may significantly affect a person´s sexual life. Both inflammation and fatigue associated with persistent arthritis may lead to joint impairment, muscular contractures, reduced muscular strength and a variety deformities which may affect the sexuality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elaborate, develop and apply a self-admisnistered questionnarie in order to evaluate sexual life of a homogeneous population of male patients with rheumatoid factor (RF) negative polyarticular JIA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self applied questionnarie of male sexual evaluation (MSEQ) was developed by a group of experts and was applied to all the patients and control group, relating to functional and behavior aspects of male sexuality and sexual satisfaction. A cohort of male patients with RF negative polyarticular JIA according to 2004 ILAR revised criteria and inactive disease was studied. The inactive disease was considered as absence of any synovitis associated to low ESR for at least three months. As control group 120 male adolescents and youths subjects age-matched with same socioeconomic status were evaluated. HAQ was applied to all patients.Tstudent, chi-square, Fishers exact and non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests were perfomed and p<0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Thirty two (32) patients with polyarticular JIA, FR-, mean age 20.8 + 3.8 yrs (16-26 yrs), mean disease duration = 15.4 ± 3.6 yrs (13-20 yrs) were assessed. Masturbation practice was similar among patients and controls (87,5% vs. 91%, p>0,999) although joint pain was solely observed in 2 JIA individuals (7%). Regular sexual intercourse (at least 1x/week) was mentioned by 78% JIA patients and 62% controls (p=0.86). Joint pain during intercourse was more frequent in 48% patients vs. 3% controls (P<0.001), in patients on hips (n=3), knees (n=5), both hips and knees (n=4), and in the controls on wrist (n=2) . Reforcing this findings, the mean HAQ score was higher on 12 patients with joint pain during intercourse and during masturbation comparing to 13 without joint pain (1.77 ± 0.31 vs. 1.2 ± 0.14; p<0.05). Notabily desire and sexual satisfaction were preserved in all the patients and control group. CONCLUSION:In this cohort of male patients with RF- polyarticular JIA, MSEQ was applicable and showed that sexual life is preserved, despite long term disease, morbidity, dysfunction and joint pain

M.Cur. / The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of significantothers in sex education of the Vha-Venda youth and to describe principles of managing sex education of the youth by community nurses. The researcher's view was that if sexuality education of the youth was done effectively, the youth might acquire the necessary knowledge of sex that would help them to deal with the social, physical and emotional demands of sexuality as they occur. This could reduce the high level of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among the youth. An exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was followed to achieve the aim of this study. Data was obtained from the youth, parents, guardians community nurses through focus group interviews. The main categories that emerged from the process of data analysis are as follows: The content of sex information given to the youth, the role of significant others in sex education of the youth, strategies that are used in providing sex education to the youth and obstacles in providing sex education to the youth. The results of this study show that the content of sexuality information given to the youth is not adequate. The role of significant others in sexuality education of the youth was found to be educating, guiding, advising and listening to the youth when talking about sexuality issues. Mothers and teachers were identified to be the people mostly involved in sexuality education of the youth. The study also revealed that sexuality' education of the Vha-Venda Youth is started very late in a child's life. Non effective strategies of providing sexuality information are used by parents and guardians. All three groups of respondents identified common obstacles in providing sexuality education of the youth. The results of this study and literature control were used as the basis for description of principles of managing sexuality education of the youth effectively by the community nurses . Recommendations ensuing from this study are that community nurses should involve themselves in assessment of need for help and assist the youth and parents, particularly mothers and teachers according to their needs. Nursing curricula should include guidelines on sexuality education and facilitation of parent's role as primary sexuality educators of their own children. The findings of this study can be considered for designing in-service education programs for community nurses and the curriculum for the training of community nurses in under and post graduate level. Further research needs to be done to assess if the principles described in this study are effective in managing sexuality education of the youths.

The purpose of the study is to identify what types of pregnancy interventions in which adolescent females in San Bernardino have participated.

Introduction. The HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China keeps increasing sharply. A high proportion of the MSM in China have male regular sex partner (RP) and prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) involving such RP is higher than when non-RP is involved. Trust, intimacy and cognitive factors are the factors associated with UAI with RP. Several cross-sectional studies have been demonstrated the important factors associated with UAI with RP among MSM in China. However, no study about intervention for MSM-RP is found to be conducted. To reduce UAI with RP, an intervention tailored to RP is urgently developed and identified its efficacy. / Objectives. The study aimed to describe the prevalence of UAI, as well as of which associated factors among MSM-RP in Beijing and Chengdu, China, and to evaluate the efficacy of an enhanced HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) in increasing condom use with RP among MSMRP in China by a randomized controlled trial (RCT). / Subjects and Methods. A cross-sectional survey and a randomized controlled trial have been conducted. For the cross-sectional survey, total 307 HIV negative MSM who have RP have been recruited by three ways. Face to face interview has been conducted to participants. Based on the associated factors found in the cross-sectional survey, interventions including video, education leaflets and enhanced counseling contents have been tailored to RP among MSMRP. For the randomized controlled trial, total 336 MSMRP have been recruited and randomly assigned 169 subjects to the Intervention Group in which participants have been given enhanced VCT plus an audio-visual and four leaflets components and 167 subjects to the Control Group in which participants have been given only standard-of-care VCT at the baseline. Evaluation was conducted at Month 3 and 6. Statistical methods such as descriptive analyses, Chi-square test and logistic regression were used in this study. / Results. The results have been found were the prevalence of UAI with RP among MSMRP was 52.4%, and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) related cognitions, trust, intimacy, depression and anxiety were associated with UAI with RP among MSMRP. In the RCT study, participants in the Intervention Group had less UAI (36.1% vs. 49.1%) than those of the Control Group at Month 3. / Conclusions. This study showed a high prevalence of UAI among MSMRP, whilst trust, intimacy and cognitive factors were associated with UAI with RP. The efficacy of Enhanced VCT tailored to RP has been identified. The acceptability and feasibility of the tailored intervention were demonstrated. In the future HIV prevention programs, the effective intervention should be considered to be incorporated into standard-of-care VCT procedures and be implemented in the specific population. / 介紹：中國男男性接觸者中的愛滋病發病率一直保持著上升的狀態。而在中國男男性接觸者中有很大比例存在著固定性伴侶。男男性接觸者同固定性伴發生無保護肛交行為的比例大於其同非固定性伴。信任，親密以及認知因素已經被證實是影響男男性接觸者同其固定性伴發生無保護肛交行為的因素。但是在中國還沒有發現專門針對有固定性伴的男男性接觸者的干預研究。為了降低男男性接觸者同其固定性伴的無保護肛交的發生率，針對有固定性伴的男男性接觸者的干預方法應該被發展同時證實其有效性。 / 目的：本研究目的在於調查北京及成都男男性接觸者的固定性伴的比例，及其影響因素，包括健康行為理論的影響因素以及人際關係因素。同時，本研究也驗證了以隨機對照實驗來評估針對有固定性伴男男性接觸者的提高型愛滋病自願檢測諮詢對減少其高危性行為的效果。 / 對象與方法：本研究由橫斷面研究以及隨機對照試驗組成。在橫斷面調查中，307名愛滋病陰性的有固定性伴的男男性接觸者被招募。基於在橫斷面調查中發現的對男男性接觸者與固定性伴間發生無保護性行為的影響因素，一項專門針對有固定性伴的男男性接觸者的提高型愛滋病自願檢測諮詢干預方法被發展應用了隨機對照試驗中已驗證其有效性。在隨機對照試驗中，169名和167名研究對象被招募並分別被隨機分配到干預組（接受提高型愛滋病自願檢測諮詢）和對照組（接受標準型愛滋病自願檢測諮詢）中。分別於干預後的3個月和6個月回訪進行干預結果的評估。在本次研究中，運用了卡方检验和logistic回歸等統計學方法。 / 結果：在橫斷面調查中發現，男男性接觸者同固定性伴的無保護肛交發生率為52.4%。影響與固定性伴無保護肛交的因素包括：健康行為理論（TPB）相關的認知，信任，親密以及抑鬱和焦慮。在隨機對照試驗中發現，在3個月隨訪中干預組的男男性接觸者與固定性伴發生無保護肛交的比例較對照組明顯降低（36.1% vs. 49.1%）。 / 結論：本研究結果顯示中國男男性接觸者的固定性伴的比例很高，同時幾乎一半的有固定性伴的的男男性接觸者同時有多個性伴，這就有增加感染愛滋病及其他性病的風險。一項針對有固定性伴的男男性接觸者設計的提高型愛滋病自願檢測諮詢方法在降低其危險性行為上的可接受性和有效性已經被證實。提示在今後的愛滋病干預項目中可以進一步的推廣應用。 / Li, Chunrong. / Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2015. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-178). / Abstracts and appendixes also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 05, October, 2016). / Li, Chunrong. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of young people regarding the O Icheke MCP campaign who are members of Selebi Phikwe District Youth Council, in a mining town in central Botswana. The main objective of the study was to explore young people‘s views about MCP, to solicit their views on the key strength and weaknesses of the campaign, and to make recommendations to further strengthen the campaign. Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, a qualitative research approach was employed and data was collected using four focus group discussions categorised into the following strata  Males aged 18-24 years  Females aged 18-24 years  Males aged 25-35 years  Females aged 25-35 years The overall study finding was that financial issues, the apparent need for sexual variety, quest for material possession, and the impact of unemployment, migration and alcohol abuse are seen as some of the major factors underlying MCP in Botswana. The O Icheke Multiple Concurrent Partnership campaign was positively viewed as playing a key role in addressing the apparent knowledge gap regarding the impacts of these partnerships and in changing people‘s attitudes towards MCP and discouraging wide sexual networks. The campaign‘s target population, funding, stakeholders and delivery mode of the program were identified as its pillars and an effective vehicle to achieve its goals. The consultation between funding office and implementing organisations, coverage of the programme in surrounding areas and growing non-profit organisation were identified to affect the MCP campaign to achieve its goals. The recommendation is that more has to be done to improve the implementation of O Icheke programme through more funding, consultation with programme implementers, tailor made for people with disability and covering surrounding areas. The recommendation is that more has to be done to improve the implementation of O Icheke programme through more funding, consultation and capacity building of volunteers. / Health Studies / MA (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of young people regarding the O Icheke MCP campaign who are members of Selebi Phikwe District Youth Council, in a mining town in central Botswana. The main objective of the study was to explore young people‘s views about MCP, to solicit their views on the key strength and weaknesses of the campaign, and to make recommendations to further strengthen the campaign. Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, a qualitative research approach was employed and data was collected using four focus group discussions categorised into the following strata  Males aged 18-24 years  Females aged 18-24 years  Males aged 25-35 years  Females aged 25-35 years The overall study finding was that financial issues, the apparent need for sexual variety, quest for material possession, and the impact of unemployment, migration and alcohol abuse are seen as some of the major factors underlying MCP in Botswana. The O Icheke Multiple Concurrent Partnership campaign was positively viewed as playing a key role in addressing the apparent knowledge gap regarding the impacts of these partnerships and in changing people‘s attitudes towards MCP and discouraging wide sexual networks. The campaign‘s target population, funding, stakeholders and delivery mode of the program were identified as its pillars and an effective vehicle to achieve its goals. The consultation between funding office and implementing organisations, coverage of the programme in surrounding areas and growing non-profit organisation were identified to affect the MCP campaign to achieve its goals. The recommendation is that more has to be done to improve the implementation of O Icheke programme through more funding, consultation with programme implementers, tailor made for people with disability and covering surrounding areas. The recommendation is that more has to be done to improve the implementation of O Icheke programme through more funding, consultation and capacity building of volunteers. / Health Studies / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS)

This is a descriptive study with a quantitative, non-experimental and contextual design, with the objective of describing the knowledge of female adolescents with regards to the implications of pregnancy. The study took place in the Bengo Province, more specifically in the school of the suburb Bairro da Açúcareira and the sample was constituted by 100 female adolescents, within the age group 13 to 19 years. Simple random sampling was used for the selection of the sample. For the collection of data a structured questionnaire with closed questions was used. Based on the data obtained the researcher draws the following conclusion: there is a need to develop educational programmes pertaining to the consequences of pregnancy, not only for adolescents but also for the teachers and parents, as the respondents indicated that teachers and parents would be the ideal people for this type of discussion; on the other hand, and of extreme importance, there is a need for specific assistance to adolescents at health centers and hospitals of the province with regard to the lack of entertainment for adolescents in the province is also an aspect that deserves attention on the part of the government of the Province of Bengo. / Health Studies / M.A (Health Studies))

This is a descriptive study with a quantitative, non-experimental and contextual design, with the objective of describing the knowledge of female adolescents with regards to the implications of pregnancy. The study took place in the Bengo Province, more specifically in the school of the suburb Bairro da Açúcareira and the sample was constituted by 100 female adolescents, within the age group 13 to 19 years. Simple random sampling was used for the selection of the sample. For the collection of data a structured questionnaire with closed questions was used. Based on the data obtained the researcher draws the following conclusion: there is a need to develop educational programmes pertaining to the consequences of pregnancy, not only for adolescents but also for the teachers and parents, as the respondents indicated that teachers and parents would be the ideal people for this type of discussion; on the other hand, and of extreme importance, there is a need for specific assistance to adolescents at health centers and hospitals of the province with regard to the lack of entertainment for adolescents in the province is also an aspect that deserves attention on the part of the government of the Province of Bengo. / Health Studies / M.A (Health Studies))