Views and Perceptions of Teachers and Adolescents on Adolescent’s Pregnancy in School in Kavango Region, Namibia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the views and perceptions of teachers and adolescent's on adolescent's pregnancy in school in Kavango Region, Namibia. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using mixed methods-quantitative approaches among 350 school learners (grade 6 to grade 12) and 150 school dropout adolescents (aged 12 to 19 years). For the qualitative approaches 15 school learners and 25 teachers went through an in-depth interview. In total a sample of 540 was utilized. The stratified random sampling techniques were used in the selections of the circuit and the schools. Structured questionnaires were used in face-to-face interviews, and in depth interviews were conducted among the key informants (teachers). Themes and subthemes were identified and discussed: Challenges for learners in grasping or understanding the concept on reproductive health towards; Poverty-early marriages, bribe from men. Identified cultural barriers on reduction of the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy, towards; Culture-uncomfortable and shy to talk about sex. The study found that the following aspects/factors: lack of parental supervision; poverty; lack of knowledge and communication skills to talk to their children regarding sex & contraceptives; parental irresponsibility; lack of sex education; were associated with adolescent pregnancy in Kavango region.