A study to identify adolescents'knowledge; attitudes and beliefs towards teenage pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The paper presents findings from a focus group discussion which was designed to identify the problems adolescents face during the transition period; in particular their reproductive health knowledge; attitudes and beliefs. The survey was conducted in four Secondary schools in Katutura and two ante natal clinics; among teenagers between of the age of 13 and 19. These included both pregnant and non-pregnant adolescent girls as well as boys. The survey concluded that teenagers are ill informed and that the absence of adolescent programs and information on reproductive health have been found to be a contributing factor to teenage pregnancy in the country. Moreover; it highlights the need for the community to accept that premarital sex is a reality which needs to be addresed with a coordinated approach: