MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / The Department of Education has stated that parents and guardians may not be absolved from their responsibilities regarding their pregnant child, and they should take the lead in working with the school to support and monitor their child’s health and progress. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of parents regarding teenage pregnancy and school attendance in the rural village of Thomo in Mopani District Limpopo Province. The study is qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population comprised of the selected parents and caregivers residing at Thomo village of Mopani District. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 parents and 5 caregivers. Sampling size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, guided by unstructured questions, data analysis was through open coding. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability and ethical issues were adhered to. One main theme with four sub - themes emerged from the raw data; namely, parents /caregivers skills and personal factors that affect behaviour change; parents / caregivers intention to change the teenagers’ behaviour; environmental and cultural factors as facilitators/ barriers to pregnancy prevention and parent-school partnerships. Recommendations were made that included the following: awareness campaigns regarding prevention of teenage pregnancy; establishment of the compulsory education subject; review of existing teenage pregnancy policies; engaging parents on youth programs; using churches to strengthen youth education on the dangers of sex before marriage; as well as capacitating parents on effective communication with their children. / NRF

The purpose of this study was to explore possible problems associated with pregnancy amongst student nurses in the Northern Province, and to determine whether their studies were adversely affected by their pregnancies. This study was designed as a quantitative, exploratory descriptive survey to look into the pregnancies of a specific group of students exploring their experiences in the classrooms and in the clinical areas. During 1998 data was collected by distributing questionnaires to ninety three pregnant . student nurses. Sixty-seven (71,0%) of student nurses fell pregnant because they lacked knowledge about contraceptives. Four-six (49,5%) of the respondents delayed seeking antenatal care, although they needed advice and support. Whilst fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents suffered from minor ailments such as tiredness, pre-eclampsia, early bleeding prior to three months pregnancy, and dizziness. Fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents encountered problems with their academic progress, as revealed by decreasing marks scored before, during, and after delivery. Student nurses would willingly avail themselves of guidance, advice and support during their pregnancies if they could access such services. / Advanced Nursing Science / M.A.(Nursing Science)

As female adolescents go through the transition phase of adolescence, they respond to a variety of factors influencing their sexual development, for instance, cultural practices, socioeconomic status, media exposure, internet access, increased autonomy to explore their sexuality, as well as quality of care, guidance and supervision by primary caregivers. If they do not get enough guidance from caregivers, teachers or medical clinics, adolescents often fall pregnant. The consequences of unexpected pregnancies prove to be negative on intrapersonal as well as interpersonal levels. There is a need to reduce such pregnancies to give adolescents a better chance in life and to enhance optimal development on individual, social, emotional and moral levels. This study explored female adolescents’ experiences and perceptions of teenage pregnancy in Belfast, Mpumalanga, in South Africa. The researcher tried to make a positive contribution towards reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy in South Africa, especially in rural, farm and semi-urban settings, through an inductive study of African female adolescents in selected secondary schools. Data were collected through individual in-depth audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with 20 African adolescent girls who were purposefully selected for the study. The researcher used Tesch’s method of analysis to analyse the data collected and to deduce themes and categories. Adolescents mostly fell pregnant, because of changes in sexual interest, emotional experiences, social development dynamics, adolescent thinking patterns and failure to use contraceptives. Teenage pregnancy affected the life-world of adolescents by influencing negatively on their physical health, psycho-emotional wellbeing, moral behaviour, social and school lives. The researcher established that the adolescents, their families, communities and society would continue to face the adverse outcomes of teenage pregnancy if the rates of teenage pregnancy remained unabated. The study therefore recommended collaborative efforts of adults in various governmental and private spheres for prevention of teenage pregnancy and for support of adolescent mothers and their babies during and after early-unexpected pregnancies. Some of the recommendations were: national awareness campaigns to curb teenage pregnancies; the review of the Life Orientation curriculum by the Department of Basic Education; the re-orientation of health delivery services; the positive inputs of teachers and schools; and a re-orientation of the responsibilities of primary caregivers and other adults / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The purpose of this study was to explore possible problems associated with pregnancy amongst student nurses in the Northern Province, and to determine whether their studies were adversely affected by their pregnancies. This study was designed as a quantitative, exploratory descriptive survey to look into the pregnancies of a specific group of students exploring their experiences in the classrooms and in the clinical areas. During 1998 data was collected by distributing questionnaires to ninety three pregnant . student nurses. Sixty-seven (71,0%) of student nurses fell pregnant because they lacked knowledge about contraceptives. Four-six (49,5%) of the respondents delayed seeking antenatal care, although they needed advice and support. Whilst fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents suffered from minor ailments such as tiredness, pre-eclampsia, early bleeding prior to three months pregnancy, and dizziness. Fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents encountered problems with their academic progress, as revealed by decreasing marks scored before, during, and after delivery. Student nurses would willingly avail themselves of guidance, advice and support during their pregnancies if they could access such services. / Advanced Nursing Science / M.A.(Nursing Science)

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))

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)

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))

Abstract in English, Venda and Sotho / Within the last decade, the level of teenage pregnancy in Southern Africa has been on the increase and as a result, is being seen as a major social problem. This study, which is a dissertation of limited scope, investigates the teaching and learning challenges of teenage mother learners at secondary schools in the Vhembe District in Limpopo. This study is classified as qualitative research within a case study design. A convenience sampling method was applied in order to select teachers and teenage mother learners for participation in the study resulting in five teachers and five teenage mother learners participating in the study Participants were interviewed using in-depth interviews. Participant observation and document analysis were other research methodologies included in the data collection process. Participant observation assisted in gathering data in relation to how mother learners interacted with teachers and other peers in class and in the school environment and document analysis was conducted by means of perusing formal records, such as attendance registers, class tests and examination results, medical records, and involvement in extramural activities. Qualitative data analysis was used in order to analyse data collected which resulted in themes and sub-themes emerging. The findings revealed that teenage pregnancy has a detrimental effect on girls’ schooling with school attendance and absenteeism affecting performance resulting in poor results and even drop out. Additional factors such as lack of financial support, physical and emotional support from family and friends as well as stigmatisation, discrimination and exclusion have a negative effect on learning. Teachers tend to lack the necessary knowledge and skills in dealing with teenage mother learners and are not supported with counselling programmes. Recommendations suggest that teachers are equipped with special skills to deal with teenage mother learners and that learners at school are made more aware of the dangers of early pregnancy and its effects on their education through various programmes. / Ngudo iyi, ya desithesheni ya tshikoupu tsho pimiwaho, i khou ṱoḓisisa nga ha khaedu dza u funza na u guda kha vhagudi vha vhana vha re vho mme zwikoloni zwa sekondari Masipalani wa Tshiṱiriki tsha Vhembe, Limpopo. Ngudo iyi yo khethekanywa sa ṱhoḓisiso ya khwaḽithathivi. Kha pulane na nzudzanyo ya ṱhoḓisiso, ngudo iyi yo itwa zwikoloni zwa sekondari kha Masipala wa Tshiṱiriki tsha Vhembe, tshine tsha wanala kha vundu ḽa Limpopo. Kuitele kwa vhukhethatsumbonanguludzwa kwo teaho kwo shumiswa u itela u nanga vhadededzi na vhagudi vha vhana vha re vho mme u itela u dzhenelela kha inthaviwu. U dzhenelela nga u tou sedza na u saukanya ḽiṅwalo o vha maṅwe maitele a ṱhoḓisiso o katelwaho kha kuitele kwa u kuvhanganya data. Vhadededzi na vhagudi vha vhana vha re vho mme vho inthaviwiwa hu tshi khou shumiswa inthaviwu dzo fhelelaho. Ṱhoḓisiso ya khwaḽithethivi kha u dzhenelela nga vhusedzi yo itwa u itela u kuvhanganya data zwi tshi elana na uri vhagudi vha vhana vha re vho mme vha shumisana hani na vhadededzi na dziṅwe thangana dza murole kiḽasini na kha vhupo ha tshikolo Tsha u fhedzisela. U saukanywa ha ḽiṅwalo ho itwa nga nḓila ya u ṱola rekhodo dza fomaḽa, dzi ngaho ridzhisiṱara ya maḓele tshikoloni, mulingo wa kiḽasini na mvelelo dza mulingo, rekhodo dza mutakalo, na u dzhenelela kha nyitelwannḓa na thandela dza mveledziso ya tshitshavha. Vhadededzi vhaṱanu na vhagudi vha vhana vha re vho mme vhaṱanu vho dzhenelela kha ngudo iyi. Musaukanyo wa data wa khwaḽithithathivi wo shumiswa u itela u saukanya data yo kuvhanganyiwaho nga tshifhinga tsha inthaviwu dzo fhelelaho na data ya u sedza ya mudzheneli / Nyakišišo ye, yeo e lego disetheišene ya sekoupu se se lekantšwego, e nyakišiša ditlhohlo tša go ruta le go ithuta tša baswa ba baithuti ba e lego bommago bana dikolong tša sekontari ka Mmasepaleng wa Selete sa Vhembe, Limpopo. Nyakišišo ye e hlophilwe bjalo ka nyakišišo ya khwalithethifi. Ka gare ga peakanyo ya kheisesetati, nyakišišo ye e dirilwe dikolong tša sekontari ka gare ga Mmasepala wa Selete sa Vhembe, wo o lego profentsheng ya Limpopo. Mokgwa wa maleba wa go dira sampole o dirišitšwe go kgetha barutiši le baswa ba baithuti ba e lego bommago bana go kgathatema dipoledišanong. Tlhokomelo ya mokgathatema le tshekatsheko ya tokomane e be e le mekgwa ye mengwe ya dinyakišišo ye e akareditšwego ka gare ga tshepetšo ya kgoboketšo ya datha. Barutiši le baswa ba baithuti ba e lego bommago bana ba boledišane ka go šomiša dipoledišano tše di tseneletšego. Nyakišišo ya khwalithethifi ka gare ga tlhokomelo ya mokgathatema e dirilwe go kgoboketša datha mabapi le ka fao baswa ba baithuti ba e lego bommago bana ba bego ba amana le barutiši le dithaka tša bona ka phapošing le ka tikologong ya sekolo. Sa mafelelo, tshekatsheko ya tokomane e dirilwe ka go šomiša direkote tša semmušo go hlahloba, go swana le diretšistara ya batlasekolong, diteko tša ka phapošing le dipoelo tša tlhahlobo, direkote tša kalafo, le kgathotema dipapading tsa sekolo le diprotšeke tša tlhabollo ya setšhaba. Barutiši ba bahlano le baswa ba baithuti ba e lego bommago bana ba bahlano ba kgathile tema ka nyakišišong ye. Tshekatsheko ya datha ya khwalithethifi e šomišitšwe go sekaseka datha ye e kgobokeditšwego nakong ya dipoledišano tše di tseneletšeng le datha ya tlhokomelo ya mokgathatema. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)

This study identified pregnancy-related challenges encountered by student nurses at SAMHS Nursing College, with an aim of identify factors contributing to student nurses' pregnancies as well as finding ways to deal and minimize the rate of the pregnancies amongst the student nurses. Thirty (30) structured interviews were conducted with student nurses who were pregnant and those who delivered their babies during the period 2002 to 2007. It has been revealed that ignorance is the major contributing factor for student nurses' pregnancies, 63% of the pregnancies were not planned, 52% of the respondents related their pregnancies to risk taking as they engaged in unprotected sex without the use of contraceptives, and thus it was concluded that student nurses are engaging themselves in risk behaviours and also engaging in unsafe sexual practices. The study also found that student nurses face physical, social, emotional as well as academic problems during pregnancy and after the delivery of their babies. Student nurses should be encouraged to use condoms and other methods of contraception, coupled with educating them on life skills, provision of recreational facilities; provision of counseling and support services may be the tool to minimise the unplanned pregnancies. / Health Studies / (M.A.(Public Health ))