A study to identify the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adolesescence with regard to teenage preganancy in Katutura, Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

The paper looks at adolescence as a stage, and examines the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy. It also present findings from a focus group discussion which was designed to identify the problems adolescents face during the transition period, in particular the reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. The survey was conducted in 4 Secondary schools in Katutura and two ante natal clinics among teenagers between the age of 13 and 19 these include both pregnant and non-pregnant adolescent as well as males

The survey concluded that teenagers are ill informed and that the absence of adolescents programs and information have been found to be a contributing factor to teenage pregnancy in the country. Moreover it highlights the need of community to accept that premarital sex is a reality which needs to be addressed with a coordinated approach

Findings from the study made us aware of the problems teens face in Katutura, and this findings will be useful in the future in developing policies for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy in Katutura (or urban township), as it highlights this issue in the local context