Awareness and Attitudes of Adolescents Towards the use of Intrauterine Device In Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa: a qualitative study

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Abstract Background: There has been a noted increase in facility delivery rate from 15.4% to 16.2% among 10-19 years adolescents’ girls in Vhembe District. Effective contraception such as intrauterine device may reduce unintended pregnancy, the need for the termination of pregnancy, and the delivery rate among adolescents. District Health Barometer recorded a very low uptake of the intrauterine device across the country. The aim of this study was to explore awareness and attitudes of adolescents towards the use of intrauterine device in Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study approach was adopted in this study and an explorative qualitative descriptive design was applied. The study participants included mentally stable adolescent girls aged 12-19 years who were gathered in chill rooms of health centres to be educated by peer educators (Ground breakers) and for sporting activities in Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa. Nonprobability convenient sampling was used to recruit participants. A central question (Can you please share with me what you know about intrauterine devices) was asked by the researcher in a face-to-face individual interview to collect in-depth data. Data was analysed using six-phase guide thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by observing credibility, dependability, transferability, and conformability. Ethical principles were considered to safeguard the rights and well-being of participants. The project was approved by University of Venda Human and Clinical Trials Research Ethics Committee (FHS/23/PH/08/0408) in July 2023. Results: The findings of this study unveiled that majority of adolescents were not aware of IUDs and as a result, IUDs were generally not used. The majority of adolescents have been found to be using short-acting contraceptives that include medroxyprogesterone and norethisterone enanthate injection and none was using IUD as a contraceptive during the time of study. Conclusions: Unintended pregnancies among adolescents are the result of contraception failure which is related to incorrect use and poor adherence to short-acting contraceptives. Teenage pregnancy remains a major problem in South Africa. Helping adolescents to change their attitudes towards the use of intrauterine devices is important to enable them increase its uptake and hence reaping its benefits.

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