Teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS awareness in three high schools in the Western Cape
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Date
2023
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This study proposes to answer critical questions about teenage pregnancy and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) awareness directly affecting the economically troubled community, namely Mitchells Plain, in which the three schools are situated. Despite this concern about HIV for South African youth, the majority of them believe that they are personally at a very low or no risk for infection. This mindset is probably the main reason why the numbers of HIV infections have not been reduced in this South Africa. What is more concerning, is that the number of teenage pregnancies in the area under investigation have not been reduced either. Statistics show that the numbers have either levelled out or have increased over the past few years despite the major media campaigns and the introduction of the subject Life Orientation into the school curriculum. The main research question is therefore: Why has the incidence of teenage pregnancy in high schools in Mitchell’s Plain not been reduced in the face of the danger of HIV infection The study explored the literature on teenage pregnancy, the HIV/AIDS challenge, sexual violence and girls between the ages of 12 and 19 that are at risk. Perspectives and conceptual understanding of the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy in relation to HIV/AIDS was examined that had a bearing on the study. Documentary analysis of the provincial, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and National Department of Education (DBE) policy on HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy assisted to interpret the phenomenon under investigation and its relationship to research, policy development and implementation.
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Keywords
Abortion, Contraception, HIV/AIDS awareness, Teenage pregnancy, Risky sexual behaviour