Teenage pregnancy is a socioeconomic challenge and an important public health
problem for communities in South Africa. Considerable research has been done
on teenage pregnancy in South Africa but it focused mostly on teenage girls.
Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to explore and describe young males’ perceptions, to
identify the roles they play in this phenomenon and to determine the factors that
influence their perceptions as well as their practices regarding teenage
pregnancy.
Methodology
A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design was used to conduct the study. The
study was guided by the Johnson Behavioural Model System. The study
population consisted of young males who were studying at the Free State School
of Nursing. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 10 participants.
The four major themes emerged from data obtained were as follows: Theme 1:
Perceptions regarding teenage pregnancies, Theme 2: Risk factors leading to
teenage pregnancies, Theme 3: Cultural and traditional practices influencing
perceptions about teenage pregnancies, Theme 4: Measures to prevent teenage
pregnancies. Thematic analysis of data was done.
Results
The findings of this study revealed that young males were not involved in
reproductive health programmes aiming to prevent teenage pregnancies. They
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lacked knowledge regarding the use of, and the available types of
contraceptives. Cultural and traditional practices such as misinterpreting
circumcision and cultural beliefs, including misconceptions about sexual
practices, played a crucial role such as not using contraceptives during sexual
intercourse that could lead to teenage pregnancy. This study recommends that
young males need to be actively involved in reproductive health.