Exploring Unplanned Pregnancy Amongst University Students

An exploration of the causes of student pregnancy and psychological stressors experienced by pregnant students at University of Venda, South Africa

“…These students claim they received no information related to sexual matters from their parents. Naidoo and Kasiram (2006) affirm that parents are not communicating with their youngsters about sex, rather, they simply warn their children not to become pregnant. Muganda-Onyando and Omondi (2008) argue that most parents are shy and often adopted authoritative approaches which restricted them from providing sexual knowledge to their daughters.…”

“…& Jali, 2014). Student pregnancy is a global trend, although, the problem is more visible in developing countries, such as South Africa (Aluzimbi et al, 2013;Anyanwu et al, 2013;Naidoo & Kasiram, 2006). Pregnant students are victims to a variety of challenges, such as poverty, poor academic performances, and dropping out of their institutions due, mainly, to their inability to concentrate on their studies (Changach, 2012).…”

Educational challenges as experienced by pregnant student nurses at a college in Mpumalanga

“…A survey was conducted to find out the views of the participants (pregnant student nurses from Zimbabwe) about the policy that was discriminating against them, and the results showed that pregnant student nurses did not even understand its contents (Bvekerwa et al 2012:51). Naidoo and Kasirum (2008:13) point out the lack of maternity leave benefits for pregnant students in Nigerian colleges and universities and state that they are expelled when found to be pregnant.…”

“…In nursing colleges, pregnancies among student nurses remain a challenge. Apart from the social and psychological challenges, pregnancy can also affect the academic success of student nurses and that of the institutions (Coetzee & Ngunyulu 2015:1; Naidoo & Kasirum 2008:341; Van Den Berg & Mamhute 2013:305). Failure to write examinations and the lack of maternity benefits and support from colleagues and staff during pregnancy are among the challenges that pregnant student nurses face.…”

“…Naidoo and Kasirum (2008:13) describe a similar situation and policies in Nigerian colleges and universities that allow for the expulsion of pregnant students. However, Mohale (2015:4) states that in a South African Military Nursing College (SAMNC), pregnant student nurses are allowed to continue with their training.…”