Adolescent pregnancy--a prospective survey of contraceptive knowledge and reproductive behaviour

Adolescent sexual activity is occurring at younger ages resulting in unplanned and often unwanted pregnancies. The prospective case controlled study of 200 teenagers aged 16 and under and 200 controls aged over 20 was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study group tended to belong to the low socio-economic group and a large number became pregnant whilst still at school. Although sexually active, the group contained a very small percentage of contraceptive users. A significant number not only claimed having little knowledge of the service but appeared uniformed or misinformed of the risks associated with the use of contraceptive methods. Regarding support during pregnancy, the Zimbabwe teenager is certainly aided by the extended family unit and formal health centres appear to play a minor role. Prevention of teenager pregnancies needs us to focus on adolescent peer pressure as well as towards parents and community leaders.