Psychosocial challenges associated with teenage pregnancy amongst high school learners at eMondlo Township, KwaZulu­ Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy in South African communities is on the increase and poses serious socioeconomic and public health problems. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial challenges associated with teenage pregnancy amongst high school learners at eMondlo Township, Zululand District in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 pregnant and previously pregnant learners drawn from two schools, who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Following data analysis using Tesch's method, specific themes emerged including lack of support and stigma, self-judgement, mental health wellbeing, physical health, interruption of education and training, skills, and support. Mental health well-being during teenage pregnancy was found to be a major concern, which resulted in psychosocial challenges that learners faced during pregnancy.