Factors influencing adolescent mothers\' non-utilisation of contraceptives in the Mkhondo area

This study investigated factors influencing adolescent mothers' non-utilisation of contraceptives in the Mkhondo (previously known as the Piet Retief) area. Although contraceptives are available free of charge, the number of adolescent mothers continues to increase in this area. Questionnaires were completed by 107 adolescent mothers. Many participants (70.0%) lacked knowledge about contraceptives. Subsequent to the birth of their babies, only 59.81% used contraceptives, risking further pregnancies.The findings indicate that adolescents, from the age of 12, should receive education about contraceptives. The availability of contraceptives during weekends could help adolescents to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Health education should be given to the mothers in the Mkhondo area so that they can provide more effective education about contraceptives to their daughters. Keywords: accessibility of contraceptives; adolescent pregnancies; contraceptive challenges; contraceptive use; sexuality education; side-effects of contraceptives; reproductive health Health SA Gesondheid Vol. 11 (4) 2006: pp. 22-3