Experiences of unintended pregnancies among university students in Zimbabwe: Insights from male and female students from Bindura University of Science Education.
- Author
- Kahari, Tatenda G.
- Title
- Experiences of unintended pregnancies among university students in Zimbabwe: Insights from male and female students from Bindura University of Science Education.
- Abstract
- The study explored the experiences of unintended pregnancies among university students in Zimbabwe focusing on insights from male and female students from BUSE. The study had three objectives to identify the causes of unintended pregnancies among male and female students from BUSE, to explore the consequences of unintended pregnancies faced by students from BUSE and to investigate the coping mechanisms for mechanisms employed by male and female students at BUSE. The Ecological Systems Theory and Socioeconomic Theory were utilized as theoretical frameworks for this study. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing a mix of in depth interviews and focus group discussions as data collection methods. In this study there were fifteen participants, five female students, four male students, and dean of the faculty, two lecturers, two healthcare workers and one worker from SAYWHAT (local organisation that works with students). The study employed two non-probability sampling techniques which are convenience sampling and purposive sampling. The study revealed the causes of unintended pregnancies among university students, the findings demonstrated that peer pressure, drug abuse and insufficient comprehensive sex education as the causes of unintended pregnancies among university student. The study also revealed the consequences of unintended pregnancies among university students, it came out of the study that disruption of academic goals, financial constrain and emotional distress were the consequences of unintended pregnancy among university students. The study also revealed the coping mechanisms employed by students in dealing with unintended pregnancies, substance abuse, escape avoidance, engaging in open communication and self-isolation emerged as the coping strategies employed by students. The study recommended that universities should develop and implement comprehensive sexual education programs that focus on contraception, safe relationships and the effects of peer pressure. These recommendations can help the stakeholders to create a supporting environment that will assist students dealing with unintended pregnancies to overcome their challenges and lead a good life.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- University Students
- Unintended Pregnancies
- Supervisor
- Mr. L. Shoniwa
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
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Kahari, Tatenda G. .pdf