Bosire Edna N, Chiseri Katharine, Comeau Dawn L, Richter Linda, Stein Aryeh D, Norris Shane A
DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 2021 Nov 10;1(11):e0000044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000044. eCollection 2021.
Risky sexual behaviors contribute to increased risk of adolescent pregnancy. This qualitative study sought to understand risks and protective factors against pregnancy amongst sexually-active adolescents in Soweto, South Africa. We used purposive sampling to recruit women at age 24 years from Soweto, who self-reported having sexual debut by age 15 years. Twenty women were recruited: (i) women who did not become pregnant before 18 years (n = 10) and (ii) women who became pregnant before 18 years (n = 10). In-depth interviews were conducted to understand their family backgrounds, conversations about sex, sexual behaviors, and initiatives taken (or not) during adolescence to prevent pregnancy. Both groups of women reported predisposing risks to early pregnancy including influence from peers to engage in early sex, unstable family relationships and limited conversations about sex. We found that the family is a key institution in supporting adolescents' decisions regarding their behaviors and choices, as are peers and exposures to information. Community Youth Centers, high schools and Youth Friendly Health Services should ensure that adolescents have access to relevant information, including sex education and contraceptives.
危险的性行为会增加青少年怀孕的风险。这项定性研究旨在了解南非索韦托性活跃青少年怀孕的风险和保护因素。我们采用目的抽样法，从索韦托招募了24岁的女性，她们自我报告15岁时开始有性行为。共招募了20名女性：（i）18岁之前未怀孕的女性（n = 10）和（ii）18岁之前怀孕的女性（n = 10）。通过深入访谈来了解她们的家庭背景、关于性的交流、性行为以及青春期为预防怀孕所采取（或未采取）的举措。两组女性都报告了导致早孕的风险因素，包括来自同伴的早期性行为影响、不稳定的家庭关系以及关于性的交流有限。我们发现，家庭是支持青少年行为和选择决策的关键机构，同伴和信息接触也是如此。社区青年中心、高中和青少年友好型健康服务机构应确保青少年能够获取相关信息，包括性教育和避孕药具。
