Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancies in a Rural Community of Zimbabwe

Type Journal Article - Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare
Title Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancies in a Rural Community of Zimbabwe
Author(s)
Volume 5
Issue 14
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 29-34
Abstract
The prevalence rate of teenage pregnancies seem to be on the increase especially in rural communities of
Zimbabwe. Using Hurungwe District, a rural community in Zimbabwe as a case study, this study sought to find
out the factors that are contributing to teenage pregnancies in rural communities of Zimbabwe. To answer the
research problem, the researchers adopted the qualitative research design. The target population were women
who got married before they reached the age of 18 years, their husbands and local leaders in the community. A
sample of 6 women who were married before they reached the age of 18 years and 5 men who are apparently
married to some of these women was used to gather data using an in-depth interview instrument. The researchers
also identified 3 key informants and a focus group of 12 people (8 men and 4 women) was also used in data
collection. Findings revealed that the following are some of the factors contributing to teenage pregnancies in
rural communities of Zimbabwe; socio-economic background, peer influence, lack of sex education, non-use of
contraceptives, traditional roles, low self-esteem and low level of education. To this end the researcher
recommended the empowerment of teenagers in the rural community and sexual health reproductive education
on teenagers in rural communities of Zimbabwe.

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