Preventative measures practiced by teenagers against sexually transmitted infections at a selected clinic in Vhembe District, Limpopo

Abstract

STIs in South Africa are increasing in alarming rates. The selected clinic is no.5 with the highest STIs, pregnancy and HIV statistics in Limpopo province among 13 to 19years old teenagers. The purpose of the study was to explore preventative measures practiced by teenagers against STIs at a selected clinic of Vhembe district, South Africa. Qualitative research methodology, which adopted exploratory research design was used. Purposively sampled sixteen teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 years who are using the selected clinic’s youth friendly services participated in the study. Unstructured in-depth face to face interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed through an open–coding method. Findings revealed that only two out of sixteen participants aged 13 and 14 years practiced abstinence. The rest of participants were sexually active, using traditional concussion made from boiling aloe or morula tree, which they drank before and after sex, applying plain yoghurt on the vagina once a week OR vaginal steaming. Only six used condoms. Participants cited patriarchy, lack of sex education in rural schools, long distance to clinics and desire to taste sex as reasons for adopting such preventive measures. Risky sexual behavior among 13 to 19 years old teenagers is still rife in rural areas. School health and youth friendly clinics services needs to be strengthened to raise awareness and improve accessibility to condoms and STI education.