Learner pregnancies: views of parents in Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The learner pregnancy phenomenon is one of a variety of social phenomena faced by schools globally. In South Africa, the phenomenon has been increasing in intensity over the years, as shown in the increasing number of learner pregnancies reported by the Department of Basic Education. Due to its social consequences, learner pregnancy involves different stakeholders, such as teachers, parents and the community. Aims: The study aimed to explore the views of parents regarding learner pregnancy in schools of Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using a purposive sampling method. Four focus group interviews were held with a total of 25 participants, and data were analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Findings: Parents reflected that parents have a responsibility to communicate and share sexual and reproductive information with their children so that the children can make informed decisions about their sexual practices. They further agreed that the responsibility for learner pregnancy management should extend to teachers, parents, nurses, school governing bodies, churches, the community and the government. Conclusion: Stakeholders such as parents, teachers and the community, as internal or external partners, should play a pivotal role in preventing and managing learner pregnancy in schools. Keywords: Learner pregnancies; pregnancy in schools; prevention of pregnancy; school stakeholders; views of parents.