Using South African and Zimbabwean Demographic and Health Surveys of 1998 and 1999 respectively, findings show that about 35% and 42% women between the ages 15-24 years had given birth at least once in South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively. Of these births, 26% and 32.2% occurred to South African and Zimbabwean women before they reached their 20th birthday respectively. In addition, these births among women between ages 15-24 account for 17% and 27% of the total births in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These are indeed high levels of early childbearing. It is because of these high levels of early childbearing that this dissertation aims to examine determinants contributing to early childbearing. To achieve this, two comparable data sources are analyzed, namely South African Demographic and Health Surveys (SADHS) of 1998 and Zimbabwean Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) of 1999. The results from this dissertation show that major significant determinants contributing to early childbearing are the age of sexual debut; childhood place of residence; highest level of education attained; socio-economic status; and ethnicity and sex of household head. The results of this dissertation make an important contribution to the growing knowledge base of Sub-Saharan African early childbearing research. Its recommendations are based on the findings of the determinants contributing to high levels of childbearing, which can be used for planning and policy development towards adolescent fertility prevention. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.

Adolescent pregnancies are high risks obstetric occurrences. Antenatal care (ANC) provides opportunities to recognise and treat obstetric complications, enhancing the pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies. This study investigated factors influencing pregnant adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo, using the Health Belief Model's major tenets. A quantitative descriptive design was used in four phases: 80 adolescents' ANC records were audited; structured interviews were conducted with 200 adolescents attending ANC and with 80 adolescents who had delivered their babies without attending ANC; and 52 midwives completed questionnaires portraying their perceptions on adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo. Documentation of ANC services provided to adolescents did not meet the expected standards. Poor or non utilisation of ANC services was influenced by socio demographic factors, individual perceptions of adolescents about antenatal care, perceived benefits of and perceived barriers to the utilisation of ANC. Most pregnant adolescents could not access these services because they could not pay the ANC and/or delivery fees charged at government clinics/hospitals. Midwives required more training in providing and recording adequate ANC services. Free ANC and delivery services could enhance adolescents' pregnancy outcomes in Zimbabawe. An information brochure on the importance of ANC attendance for adolescents has been compiled, based on the research results (see Annexure J). / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Adolescent pregnancies are high risks obstetric occurrences. Antenatal care (ANC) provides opportunities to recognise and treat obstetric complications, enhancing the pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies. This study investigated factors influencing pregnant adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo, using the Health Belief Model's major tenets. A quantitative descriptive design was used in four phases: 80 adolescents' ANC records were audited; structured interviews were conducted with 200 adolescents attending ANC and with 80 adolescents who had delivered their babies without attending ANC; and 52 midwives completed questionnaires portraying their perceptions on adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo. Documentation of ANC services provided to adolescents did not meet the expected standards. Poor or non utilisation of ANC services was influenced by socio demographic factors, individual perceptions of adolescents about antenatal care, perceived benefits of and perceived barriers to the utilisation of ANC. Most pregnant adolescents could not access these services because they could not pay the ANC and/or delivery fees charged at government clinics/hospitals. Midwives required more training in providing and recording adequate ANC services. Free ANC and delivery services could enhance adolescents' pregnancy outcomes in Zimbabawe. An information brochure on the importance of ANC attendance for adolescents has been compiled, based on the research results (see Annexure J). / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)