A critical discourse analysis of adolescent fertility in Zambia: a postcolonial perspective

Abstract Background Despite global and regional policies that promote the reduction of adolescent fertility through ending early marriages reducing child-bearing, remains high in most sub-Saharan countries. This study aimed to explore competing discourses shape control Zambia. Methods A qualitative case design was adopted, involving 33 individual interviews 9 focus group discussions with adolescents other key-informants such as parents, teachers policymakers. Thematic critical discourse analysis were used analyze data. Results Adolescents’ age significantly reduced their access Sexual Reproductive Health, SRH services. Also, influenced by marital norms Christian beliefs, well health rights values. While marriage or child-bearing discouraged, married who had given birth before faced fewer challenges when accessing information services compared unmarried nulliparous counterparts. Besides, major influencers workers also conflicted about how package young people, due varying roles community. Conclusion The pluralistic view is fueled “multiple consciousnesses”. evidenced divergent Zambia, compounded disempowered position communities. We assert moral worlds, correct own right, viewed within historical social context unearth significant barriers success interventions targeted towards adolescents’ thereby propagating growing problem fertility. suggests proactive consideration these designing implementing interventions.