SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND^T0"7 KNOWLEDGE OF ADOLESCENTS MALES IN THE MOLOPO REGION OFx BOPHUTHATSWANA

Teenage pregnancy is one o f the many public health problems facing the community inBophuthatswana and neighbouring areas: Health professionals have attempted to address the problem yet little has been done to determine the role o f the adolescent male in the preven­ tion o f this communityproblem. This study addresses the male adolescent’s sexual beha­ viour, his attitude towards contraception, contraceptive use and premarital pregnancy. The study revealed that most o f the respondents commenced sexual practices at about 12years of age. These young men believed that girls should prove their fertility before marriage, al~ though they viewed contraception as a joint responsibility between the two partners. The re­ spondents were found to have a positive attitude towards contraception and contraceptive use, yet when they were asked what method o f contraception they used since they were sex­ ually active, only 24,5% reported use o f a condom. Ignorance about reproduction and the effects o f contraceptives Was confirmed When 48% o f the respondents indicated that they were unaware o f the fact that pregnancy could result from first coitus, and they also be­ lieved that oral contraceptives had dangerous side effects. The study further revealed that parents did not discuss teenage pregnancy and contraception with their children, instead this subject was discussed among friends at school. Respondents expressed fear when asked why the subject was never discussed with parents, some actually stated that their parents would 'flog’ them i f they initiated the subject oh sex and related matters. The urgent need for formalised sex education in Bophuthatswana was expressed by 77% o f the respondents.