Influences on Fertility Control and Early Parenthood in a Rural District of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigated influences on fertility control and early parenthood among teenage learners from a rural district in Zimbabwe. Data on perceived influences on risks for early parenthood were collected from 1320 female secondary school learners (mean age=16 years, SD=1.35) using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively. Teenagers believed to be at risk for early parenthood from early sexual debut, material poverty and peer influences to engage in sexual relationships.

Keywords:

• teenage pregnancies
• explorative case study
• parenthood
• rural secondary schools
• Zimbabwe