Knowledge and Awareness of Contraceptives among Teenagers at the Selected School in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

The knowledge and awareness of contraceptives among teenagers in South Africa remain a major problem, as evidenced by the continuing increase in teenage pregnancy incidences. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding contraceptives among teenagers at Matome Malatji, in Mopani District, Limpopo Province.

A Quantitative approach was applied in this study to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding contraceptives among female teenagers at Matome Malatji High School. The research design used was a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study was conducted at Matome Malatji High School. Matome Malatji High School is a public high school located in Maseke Village, Phalaborwa town, Mopani District, Limpopo Province. The target population consisted of male and female teenagers from grades 8 to 12 at Matome Malatji High School. The school had 669 learners, with 400 females and 269 males. The study employed stratified random sampling with a 50% proportional allocation. The study included female and male teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 years at Matome Malatji High School. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethical considerations included obtaining permission to conduct the study, obtaining informed consent, completing an asset form, and ensuring autonomy.

On average, most respondents, 54,30%, indicated “yes” to the questions regarding the knowledge of contraceptives.

On average, most respondents, 54,30%, indicated “yes” to the questions regarding the knowledge of contraceptives. The research findings, indicating a 54.3% knowledge score of contraceptives among teenagers in a selected high school in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, highlight the need for improved knowledge and awareness of contraceptives among this demographic.

The findings revealed that the teenagers had a moderate level of knowledge about contraceptives, with a score of 54.30%.The study highlights the need for comprehensive sex education programs that provide accurate and unbiased information about contraceptives and reproductive health. The involvement of parents and guardians in providing information and support to teenagers regarding contraceptives and reproductive health is also crucial.