Stigma associated with adolescence pregnancy. A case study of Epworth Overspill Clinic and Hopley Poly Clinic, Harare.

Author

Mufuka, Laura T.

Title

Stigma associated with adolescence pregnancy. A case study of Epworth Overspill Clinic and Hopley Poly Clinic, Harare.

Abstract

The study focused on exploring the stigma associated with adolescent pregnancy. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges that are faced by adolescents during their pregnancy journey. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the factors that contribute to the stigmatization of adolescent pregnancy, to explore ways to reduce or eliminate these stigmas, to explore the implications of the stigmas associated with adolescent pregnancy on the uptake of health and social services and to explore how service providers can better support pregnant adolescents and reduce the impact of the stigmas. It was supported by the social learning theory which explains that people learn through observation, mediating, modelling, and imitation. The theory went on to explain more on how both the adolescents are influenced by their community, friends, or family and also how the community influences itself towards the pregnant adolescents. The study made use of qualitative research method to collect data in Epworth and Hopley using in-depth interviews with 15 female adolescents and 4 key informants from two different health institutions each. The study found out that distance, financial constraints and ill treatment from some of the health workers at the clinic were some of the challenges adolescents faces. It also revealed that there is need to educate adolescents about SRHR health issues so that they are always aware of them. The study also recommended that the clinics should be decentralized so that every adolescent will be able to easily access them.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Stigma

Adolescence Pregnancy

Epworth Overspill Clinic

Hopley Poly Clinic

Supervisor

Mr. P. Gonorashe