The social support system of unmarried pregnant adolescents in the Transkei with particular reference to parents.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether parental or other support systems supported the unmarried pregnant adolescent with regard to psychological and socio-economic parameters while they were pregnant, to determine the factors influencing support and to analyze the outcome of their pregnancy. Thirty rural and ten urban unmarried pregnant adolescents of 14-17 years of age were selected through quota sampling, therefore, 40 adolescents participated. Social support from significant others, as reported by adolescents, was measured through the Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviour and Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule. The findings revealed that adolescents were given the support they needed, particularly by their mothers. Other family members, girlfriends and boyfriends also played a prominent role while support from professional support systems was minimal. Adolescent birth records indicate that most girls received prenatal care regularly. Most of their neonates were satisfactory at birth and were average for gestational age.