Attitudes of learners at two Limpopo Province high schools towards teenage pregnancy

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the attitudes of learners of the Limpopo Province towards teenage pregnancy. A quantitative descriptive research approach was used, in which a questionnaire served as the primary source for data collection. The research sample consisted of 120 teenagers, between the ages of 13 years to 19 years. Sixty (60) females, and 60 males, were randomly selected from the school register of two schools. Permission was obtained before undertaking the study from the District Manager of the Department of Education, School principals in collaboration with their staff and SGB. Consent was also obtained prior to participating from learners. The questionnaire was distributed to the learners by a student researcher and the teachers The data analysis was done by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The finding of the study indicated a positive attitude towards teenage pregnancy, for the majority of learners. There were also indications of more positive attitudes towards teenage pregnancy among younger learners, than those of older learners. More positive attitudes towards teenage pregnancy were also found among males, whereas females were less positive towards teenage pregnancy. The study concludes with recommendations regarding the implementation of strategies to deal with the pregnancy rates more effectively; considering the stage of development within which teenagers find themselves, generally.