The Sexual Health Needs of Learners in Makapanstad, Hammanskraal

Abstract

The aim of this article is to inductively explore and describe the sexual health needs of learners in Makapanstad, Hamnumskraal, using a phenomenological qualitative research design. Three themes and eight sub-themes were revealed during data analysis. Tlte identified main themes were: The sexual health needs ofleamers, contributonJ factors towards teenage pregnancy and the strategies to address the identified sexual health needs. It is concluded that teenage pregnancy is a serious lzealth concern due to inadequate parental guidance, and poverhJ. Parental involvement in sexual healtlz issues, free condom distn'bution, sex education in schools, homes and churches, use of technology and the use of stepping stones were suggested as strategies to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy. Further research should be conducted in order to explore other strategies that will possibly promote sexual health of learners in other South African schools.