Challenges on sexual health communication with secondary school learners, Limpopo province

A conversation about sexuality is most likely to encourage healthy and positive sexual practices while reducing risky sexual behaviour among adolescents. Traditionally, sexuality is discussed in hushed tones in proverbs and is reserved for adults. On the other hand, adolescents must be well informed about their sexuality to assist them to make informed decisions about their sexual behaviour.Objectives: The study determined parents' views regarding challenges of sexual health communication among secondary school learners in the Limpopo province.Method: A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and contextual approach was employed for the study. Fifty-six parents were purposively selected, resulting in five focus group discussions that had 8­12 members. One central question was asked, and based on the participants' responses, probing questions followed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were ensured.Results: Three themes, namely communication concerns, role shifting in imparting sexuality education and poor parent­child relationships, and eight subthemes emerged from the data.Conclusion: This study identified that communication concerns influence parent­child dialogue on sexuality education. Therefore, there is a need to address factors hindering communication such as cultural barriers, role shifting in imparting sexuality education and poor parent­child relationships. This study suggests that parents should be empowered in dealing with children's sexuality.Contribution: Parents should be equipped with reproductive knowledge to enable them to talk freely about sexuality with their children. This should be complemented with broader programmes aimed at promoting sexual health education within the traditional family institution

Factors Influencing the Uptake of Contraception Services by Vatsonga Adolescents in Rural Communities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province; South Africa

The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence the uptake of contraception services by adolescents in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province; South Africa. A qualitative research method which is explorative; descriptive and contextual in nature was used to investigate the phenomenon from the adolescents' perspective. The target population comprised of adolescents residing in one of the six villages of Vhembe District. Data was collected through six focus group discussions until data saturation was achieved. Data was analysed using an open coding method. The findings revealed that adolescents are aware of the availability of contraceptive services. However; they lack a comprehensive knowledge about contraception and contraceptives; which led to negative attitudes towards using the services. Cultural health beliefs and attitudes were also identified as a barrier to the uptake and use of contraceptives. Recommendations were made on interventions to increase the uptake of contraception services amongst adolescents

Knowledge; Attitudes and Practice of Secondary School Girls towards Contraception in Limpopo Province

Unplanned teenage pregnancy constitutes an important health problem; whilst contraceptive services are free throughout South Africa and the number of Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services is increasing. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge; attitudes and practices of secondary school girls towards contraception in Thulamela Municipality of Limpopo Province; South Africa. A quantitative descriptive study design was used and respondents were selected by convenience sampling from a population of secondary school girls; the sample consisting of 273 girls in Grades 10-12. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and analysed by computing frequencies and percentages using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings showed that respondents were aware of different contraceptive methods that can prevent pregnancy. However; most did not have knowledge of the emergency contraceptive; intra-uterine device and female condom. Pressure from male partners; fear of parental reaction to the use of contraceptives; reluctance to use contraceptives; poor contraceptive education and lack of counselling were seen as the main causes of ineffective contraceptive use and non-utilisation. Possible modalities of intervention deal with providing contraceptive counselling and care to empower these school girls to make informed choices on reproductive health