Original Research Article

Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancy at a Selected Health Center

Mphunyane E. Makhoba^1*, Shelile Z. Mpho²

¹Paray Mission Hospital, Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho

²Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Lesotho, Roma, Maseru, Lesotho

*Corresponding Author E-mail: exiniamphunyane@gmail.com

Received: 28 December 2022  I  Accepted: 21 January 2023  I  Published: 30 January 2023  I  Article ID: MRJMMS23001
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.
This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a global issue that raises concerns for all people who have an interest in the health and well-being of teenagers and their children. Factors associated with teenage pregnancy are multiple. This study aims to identify the individual factors perceived to contribute to teenage pregnancy at Emmanuel Health Center in Leribe. The researchers adopted a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research design. A structured question-naire was administered using face-to-face interviews to collect data from 50 female teenagers who met the selection criteria identified through non-probability convenience sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. A total of 50 teenage girls participated in the study. Among the contributing factors assessed, data analysis showed that sexual abuse, traditional norms and values on sexual behaviour, inadequate involvement of women in decision making, early independence, peer influence, drugs, and alcohol were perceived to increase the likelihood of teenage pregnancy. The study revealed various factors possibly contribute to teenage pregnancy, but drugs and alcohol were regarded as the main factors, followed by sexual abuse and early independence.

Keywords: Contributing factors, Emmanuel Health Center, Leribe, Lesotho, Teenage pregnancy