Experiences of Teenage Mothers in the Informal
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Experiences of teenage mothers in the informal settlements: An analysis of young females‟ reproductive health and challenges, a case study of Siyanda Informal Settlement. By Carminee Govender Abstract The reported percentage of births attributable to school going learners has highlighted the concern for adolescents engaging in early and unsafe sexual practices. A review of literature suggests that early sexual initiation and the likelihood of experiencing teenage pregnancy can impede on adolescents‟ ability to acquire skills, attain high levels of education, and access socioeconomic opportunities. Relatively less attention has been paid to the reproductive patterns and sexual behaviour of adolescents within informal settlements. This research, conducted in Siyanda informal settlement on the outskirts of KwaMashu Township, is designed to explore the sexual patterns and reproductive behaviour of the adolescents there. The study examines differences in sexual behaviour and childbearing experiences among teen mothers, currently pregnant teens; and those that have never experienced pregnancy. The findings suggest that the majority of adolescents residing in informal settlements experiment with and engage in sexual intercourse at ages much earlier than 19. Most teenagers experienced their first sexual intercourse by the second year of high school education. Teen mothers reported higher incidence of multiple sexual partners. Across all adolescents interviewed, the preferred sexual partners were much older males because of level of maturity, financial status; and the ability to negotiate use of contraceptives. Part of the cause of high incidents of teenage pregnancy within this environment was the lack of consistent usage of contraceptives. Many adolescents perceived usage of contraceptives to be impractical prior to conception of first birth. The experience of childbearing was found to have detrimental implications on these young females‟ educational attainment. Many of these adolescent failed to resume school to complete their education due to the lack of I emotional and financial support from their partners and family members. Many adolescents highlighted their discontent with the lack of youth integration in community based programmes. Furthermore, communication barriers in nearby health facilities as well as transport restricted their accessibility to obtain counselling with regards to their sexual activities and reproductive patterns. Thus, it is recommended that service delivery should be improved, including providing more health facilities especially the range of methods through which health officials such as nurses, social workers and counsellors which can be made easily accessible to these adolescents on a regular basis. II Declaration Submitted in fulfilment /partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Population Studies, in the Graduate Programme in the School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. November 2011 I declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work. All citations, references and borrowed ideas have been duly acknowledged. I confirm that an external editor was/was not used and that my Supervisor was informed of the identity and details of my editor. It is being submitted for the degree of Masters in Population Studies in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. None of the present work has been submitted previously for any degree or examination in any other University. _____________________________ Student signature ______________________________________ Date Editor name and surname (if applicable) III Acknowledgments Many people have helped and encouraged me during the process of producing this dissertation, to which I owe great thanks and gratitude. To God for strength, knowledge and wisdom. To my amazing parents, Cliffy and Shirley. Thank you for your love, unwavering support and guidance throughout all my studies. I am eternally grateful for your motivation and love but most of all your belief in me. To my Supervisor Nompumelelo Nzimande. Thank you for your constructive criticism, thoughtful advice and time which has been indispensable throughout this process. To my Co-Supervisor Professor Julian May. A special thank for your financial assistance during Fieldwork. This work is based upon research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation. To my significant other, Naren. Thank you for your patience, understanding and love. Your support has been overwhelming and I am truly appreciative. To my only sister and granny. Thank you for the much needed support and breaks during the most difficult times of this dissertation. To the Abahlali baseMjondolo Organisation. A few people deserve particular mention. Mr S‟bu Zikode for his willingness to help grant me permission to Siyanda Informal settlement. Ms Zodwa Nsibande for her assistance and patience. Ms Bandile Mdlalose for assisting me in translation of the interviews. A special thanks to Ms Mamkiswe for gathering the participants. To One Stop Security. A special thanks to Mr Selvin, Mr Ryan and the late Mr Deon for providing me with spectacular service. To Priya Konan whose door has always been open to me and has generously shared her time, support and advice at the most important moments, thank you. To all the participants of the study who were exceptionally welcoming and willing to share their thoughts and experiences. IV Dedication To my wonderful parents Cliffy and Shirley who have been my anchor of strength and support throughout all my studies. V Acronyms and Abbreviations AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ASFR Age Specific Fertility Rate CSG Child Support Grant DHS Demographic Health Survey FET Further Education and Training HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HSRC Human Sciences Research Council KZN KwaZulu Natal LEDNA Local Economic Development Network of Africa LO Life Orientation MRC Medical Research Council SADHS South Africa Demographic and Health Survey SADOH South Africa Department of Health SADOE South Africa Department of Education STI Sexually Transmitted Infection Stats SA Statistics South Africa TFR Total Fertility Rate WHO World Health organisation WFS World Fertility Survey VI Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................... I Declaration ........................................................................................ III Acknowledgments .............................................................................. IV Dedication ........................................................................................... V Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................. VI Table of Figures .................................................................................. X Chapter One: Introduction ................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Adolescent childbearing in South Africa.............................................. 2 1.3 Rationale for the study ....................................................................... 4 1.4 Research objectives ............................................................................ 5 1.5 Organisation ...................................................................................... 5 Chapter two: Literature review ............................................................. 6 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 6 2.2 Levels and determinants of early childbearing .................................... 6 2.2.1 Globally ............................................................................................................................. 6 2.2.2 Sub Saharan Africa ....................................................................................................... 9 2.2.3 South Africa ................................................................................................................... 10 2.3. Determinants of early childbearing .................................................. 13 2.3.1. Demographic determinants ..................................................................................... 14 2.3.2. Educational attainment ............................................................................................ 21 2.3.3. Socioeconomic status ................................................................................................ 25 2.3.4. Peer influence .............................................................................................................. 26 2.3.5. Rising age of marriage ............................................................................................... 27 Chapter three: Methodology ............................................................... 29 VII 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................... 29 3.2 Study design and research methodology ........................................... 29 3.2.1 Case study ...................................................................................................................... 30 3.3. Choice of informal settlement .........................................................