Factors contributing to termination of pregnancies among teenager in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

The study sought to describe the factors contributing to termination of pregnancies among teenagers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, by studying the responses given by teenage girls aged 19 years and younger. The study also sought to determine the socio economic characteristics of teenagers who terminate pregnancies, the role of parental care in avoiding unwanted teenage pregnancies, the teenagers’ general knowledge of reproductive health issues as well as their sources of information regarding reproductive health issues.

The major inferences drawn from this study included that teenagers’ knowledge of reproductive health issues was inadequate and that they have nothing tangible because of their low educational and economic status that put them at risk of being involved in sexual activities at an early age leading to unwanted pregnancies that end up in termination.

Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for imparting knowledge regarding sexual issues to teenage girls in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province.