Swazi Youths' Attitudes and perceptions Concerning Adolescent Pregnancies and Contraception

ABSTRACT

This study investigated Swazi adolescents' attitudes and perceptions concerning adolescent pregnancies and contraceptive practices in order to help address the continued challenge posed by large numbers of adolescent pregnancies in Swaziland. Thirty boys and thirty girls aged from 16 to 18; from an urban and a rural area participated in focus group interviews. The adolescent girls revealed that they are expected to bear children at young ages and are competing for men's love by bearing their children. Adolescent boys expressed contradictory notions in expecting girls to refuse unprotected sex; but also maintaining that men are the sole decision-makers about sexual issues. The adolescent Swazi boys and girls identified health service barriers to accessing contraceptives; had reservations about using modern contraceptives; and preferred traditional contraceptives which they perceived to be without harmful side-effects