Exploring factors contributing to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institution in South Africa

Abstract

Unplanned pregnancies among female undergraduate & postgraduate students at higher education institution pose severe public health issue in South Africa (SA) and are also linked to bad health and social consequences that have a detrimental influence on academic advancement and future employment opportunities. The number of unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institutions continues to rise, despite the government introduction of contraceptives and other preventative methods. Thus, the objective of this study was aimed at explore factors that contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students in higher institution of learning The study adopted non-empirical research, in which existing literature on factors that contributes to unplanned pregnancies among students in higher education institutions. This paper is solely based on a review and analysis of published research and data. The findings of this study indicate that peer pressure, contraceptive uptake, and substance abuse contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institution. Peer pressure and inconsistent contraceptive usage are the two interdependent factors that significantly impact unplanned pregnancies at higher education institutions. However, it seems that the lack of sexual knowledge makes these problems worse. The paper notes factors such as peer pressure, contraceptive uptake, and substance abuse that contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institutions. The paper recommends adopting policies that emphasize sexual abstinence or the use of contraceptives inclusive of condoms and the government to introduce a long-term injectable contraceptive.

Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja

“…Faktor yang mempengaruhi kesehatan reproduksi lainnya adalah pengaruh teman sebaya hal ini sejalan dengan hasil penelitian lainnya bahwa masalah kesehatan reproduksi pada remaja putri disebabkan oleh pengaruh dari teman laki-laki atau pacar remaja untuk melakukan hubungan seks baik dengan teman tersebut ataupun dengan mitra seks yang lain (memiliki dua atau lebih pasangan seksual) (Kassahun et al, 2019). Penelitian ini didukung oleh penelitian lainnya yang menyatakan bahwa keinginan remaja untuk menemukan kebahagiaan dari teman atau pacar yang mereka temui membuat remaja lupa akan dampak negatif yang ditimbulkan dari perilakunya (Kgarose et al, 2023).…”