OA23.04
Background: HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancy are concerns for South Africa's youth. Adolescent pregnancy is a major cause of interrupted schooling and drop-out despite pregnant learners being protected by law. Incomplete education and early pregnancy are risk factors for HIV acquisition. This study reports on perceptions of learners' experiences with sex, pregnancy, and HIV.
Methods: Focus groups were held with male and female learners (n=41, 4 groups), parents (n=19, 2 groups), educators (n=11, 2 groups) and community members (n=19, 2 groups) recruited through two schools in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Discussions were transcribed, translated and data coded. Results were organised according to key themes and NVivo used to facilitate data analysis.
Results: Almost half the learners (n=17), aged 16–21, had initiated sex, most common age of first sex was 15 (n=5). Four learners had been pregnant. Substance use, transactional sex and low/inconsistent condom use were the main risk factors for pregnancy and STIs. Although learners knew about HIV, some were not concerned about it, “there is something you can use to reduce it”, however stigma was a barrier to accessing HIV-related services. While teachers discussed HIV with learners, across groups, most felt that parents should provide advice on abstinence, protection during sex and monogamy. However some parents lacked information and others feared discussing HIV with their children. Teenage pregnancy was reportedly common in schools, mostly unplanned but some perceived to access government grants. Pregnancy led to drop-out and gaps in schooling.
Conclusions: Teenage learners are practicing unprotected sex despite being educated about HIV and pregnancy. Barriers to accessing services put them at risk. There is a need for improved access to services, better access to information for parents, and improved relationships with parents to address gaps and influence behaviour.
