Topic > Teenage pregnancy in South Africa: causes and policy changes

IndexThe main causes of teenage pregnancy in the South African regionRole of drug and alcohol abuseLack of contraceptionSexual abuseChildhood environmentRecommendations on the issue of having a related policyThe right to continue School attendanceCertificate of good healthMaking a police reportConsequences of teenage pregnancyConclusionReferencesTeenage pregnancy is one of the most famous topics for an essay According to the WHO, teenage pregnancy, also known as teenage pregnancy, is pregnancy in a girl under the age of 20. Pregnancy can occur after the start of ovulation, which can occur before the first menstrual period (menarche) but more commonly after the start of your period. The first period normally occurs around age 12 or 13 in well-nourished girls. Exploring the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to teen pregnancy are crucial topics for an in-depth essay on this pressing social issue. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Teenage pregnancy is still prevalent in both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). It plays a significant role in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. It also has social effects, such as continuing the cycle of poverty, including early school dropout among pregnant adolescents, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Little research in SSA has examined teen pregnancy trends and the factors that influence them, although this information is crucial to fully understanding teen pregnancy and promoting reproductive health among adolescents overall in SSA. Major causes of teenage pregnancy in the South African region Role of drug and alcohol abuse Alcohol and drugs that reduce inhibition can increase unplanned sexual engagement. If this is the case, it is unclear whether the drugs themselves are driving young people to engage in riskier behavior or whether drug users are more likely to engage in sex. Correlation is not the same as causation. Alcohol, cannabis, "ecstasy" and other amphetamine substitutes are the drugs with the most evidence linking them to teen pregnancy. Opioids, such as heroin, morphine and oxycodone, have the least evidence to support a link with early pregnancy, although one of their well-known effects is a significant reduction in libido, it appears that users of opioids adolescents have significantly lower levels of opioids. conception rates compared to peers who do not use alcohol, "ecstasy", cannabis and amphetamines. Lack of Contraception Teens may not be aware of or have access to traditional pregnancy prevention methods because they are too ashamed or afraid to ask for it. The practitioner faces a major challenge when it comes to contraception for teens. In 1998 the government set the goal of halving the rate of pregnancies under 18 by 2010. To achieve this goal the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy (TPS) was created. Although still declining, the pregnancy rate in this category increased slightly in 2007, reaching 41.7 per 1,000 women. Young women generally associate contraception with the “pill” or condom and are unaware of other options. Negative and second-hand stories about contraceptive methods told by friends and the media have a great influence on them. It's incredibly difficultovercome prejudices. Concerns about side effects, such as weight gain and acne, can often influence a person's decision. Missing up to three medications a day is not uncommon. The month is common and the figure is likely to be higher in this age group. Starting again after a week without the pill, hiding medications, drug interactions, and difficulty obtaining repeat prescriptions are all factors that could lead to the method failing. Sexual abuse According to South African studies, rape is the cause of 11-20% of teenage pregnancies and more than 60% of teenage mothers have had unwanted sexual experiences before pregnancy. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 60 percent of girls who had sex before age 15 were forced by males who were on average six years older than them. One in five teenage fathers admitted to forcing their daughters to have sexual intercourse with them. Numerous studies in developed countries have found a clear link between early childhood sexual abuse and eventual teenage pregnancy. Women who gave birth during adolescence were abused up to 70% of the time, while women who did not give birth during adolescence were assaulted only 25% of the time. Childhood Environment Girls who have been exposed to abuse, spousal violence, or family conflict as children are more likely to become pregnant as teens, and the likelihood of becoming pregnant as teens increases with the number of adverse childhood experiences. A 2004 study found that reducing exposure to abuse, violence and family instability could prevent a third of teen pregnancies. Family dysfunction has long-term negative consequences on women's health during the adolescent years, during pregnancy, and after childbirth,' the researchers write. When there is no supportive family atmosphere in the absence of adverse childhood experiences, becoming pregnant as a teenager does not appear to increase the risk of long-term psychological repercussions. According to studies, boys who grew up in families with an abusive mother or who directly suffered physical violence have been shown to be much more likely to get a girl pregnant. Recommendations on the issue of having a related policy The right to continue attending school The policy prohibits schools from excluding students because of their pregnancy, among other reasons. This policy specifically recognizes the right of a pregnant student to attend school during pregnancy and to return as soon as possible after giving birth, as long as it is safe for both the student and her child. Certificate of good health Students must produce a medical certificate certifying that they are healthy enough to attend school. Students who are more than six months pregnant will be asked to produce a medical certificate certifying the status of their pregnancy and an approximate date of delivery to facilitate the use of these privileges. Additionally, if the pregnant student wishes to remain in school after the eight months, she will be required to submit a medical report to the designated educator or school principal certifying that it is safe for her to continue her studies. If a student fails to submit their certificate, they may be asked to take a leave of absence until they do so. The student presented her with medical information. Making a police report If a pregnant girl is under 16 and the child's father is over 16, the policy is that schools must report to the South African Police Service (Sars) for civil and criminal cases. actions. It is also stated that when a student becomes pregnant, "attention" must be paid to the father and 7 (7), 9749-9752, 2019.