Lived experiences of pregnant students at the University of Venda, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Pregnancy can be a great experience. However, for some, it is not, especially when they are still students. Pregnant students experience many challenges, which include dropping out of school. Pregnant students thus need support from family members and friends to cope. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of pregnant students at the University of Venda, Limpopo Province. The study was conducted at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), situated in the scenic Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach, using a phenomenological design, was used for this study. A sample size of 20 pregnant students was selected from the target population through convenience sampling and data were collected through a semi-structured interview. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to analyse the data. The study findings show that pregnant students encounter countless experiences, such as maternal stress and anxiety, inability to cope, poor concentration, low self-esteem, absenteeism and poor performance. In addition, pregnant students relied on the social support they received from friends, family and partner to cope. The study recommends that the institution should offer adequate services to pregnant students, such as attending Antenatal Care (ANC) at the University Clinic to reduce the likelihood of absenteeism and dropout rate amongst pregnant students