Rates and predictors of school pregnancy among black women in the North West province, South Africa

  • Mhele Karabo North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
  • Natal Ayiga North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Keywords: Education, Girl child, MDGs, Pregnancy, South Africa

Abstract

Learner pregnancy is one of the challenges impeding the unlocking of the potentials of women in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper estimated the prevalence of learner pregnancy and identified its predictors in the North West province of South Africa. The paper used cross-sectional data on 582 black women and the nested logistic regression model to analyse the data. The study found that 38% of the women become pregnant at school. Learner pregnancy was significantly higher for women who had sexual debut at <18 years; were in grades 8 and 9 or higher at age 14; attained <grade 8; had previously dropout of school; had mothers who attained <grade 8; and lived in rural neighbourhoods. We conclude that the prevalence of learner pregnancy is high in the North West province of South Africa, and an integrated approach involving individual, school, family and neighbourhood level strategies are needed to address the problem. 

Author Biographies

Mhele Karabo, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Population Research and Training Unit
Natal Ayiga, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Population Research and Training Unit
Published
2014-06-03