Contraceptive awareness and decision-making among caregivers of Learners with Intellectual Disabilities in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province in South Africa
1
Physiotherapy, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Tshwane, South Africa
2
Nursing Science, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Tshwane, South Africa
3
Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Tshwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Evidence from the United Kingdom highlight early childbearing among adolescents living with disabilities at 15 % above their peers without disabilities. In South Africa, a rights-based policy framework promotes equality in sexual and reproductive health, with emphasises on informed decision-making and the central role of parents in guiding contraceptive uptake. Therefore, understanding how caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities perceive and make decisions about contraception is essential to addressing unintended pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore contraceptive awareness and decision-making among caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities in Tshwane District of Gauteng Province.
METHODS:
Ethical clearance (Ref: SMUREC/H/182/2024:IR) from the institution’s Research Ethics Committee and permission from Gauteng Department of Education research directorate was granted. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design utilising focus group discussions with caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities was employed. Participants were recruited using a purposive non-random sampling method from five Special Care Centres. Transcripts were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using content analysis on NVivo15 software and halted after reaching saturation. Intercoder reliability was achieved with consensus agreement among researchers.
RESULTS:
Three overarching themes and sub-themes emerged: (1) Contraceptive knowledge, (1.1) Perceived benefits and disadvantages, (1.2) Primary Health Care and family as sources of knowledge. (2) Socio-economic survival, (2.1) Financial burden, (2.2) Preference of permanent solution. (3) Practical realities over cultural expectations, (3.1) Contraceptives are socially accepted in communities, (3.2) Willingness to forgo grandchildren.
CONCLUSIONS:
Contraceptive awareness among caregivers is not only a matter of health knowledge but also a reflection of socio-economic survival and pragmatic decision-making in reproductive health.
Evidence from the United Kingdom highlight early childbearing among adolescents living with disabilities at 15 % above their peers without disabilities. In South Africa, a rights-based policy framework promotes equality in sexual and reproductive health, with emphasises on informed decision-making and the central role of parents in guiding contraceptive uptake. Therefore, understanding how caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities perceive and make decisions about contraception is essential to addressing unintended pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore contraceptive awareness and decision-making among caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities in Tshwane District of Gauteng Province.
METHODS:
Ethical clearance (Ref: SMUREC/H/182/2024:IR) from the institution’s Research Ethics Committee and permission from Gauteng Department of Education research directorate was granted. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design utilising focus group discussions with caregivers of learners with intellectual disabilities was employed. Participants were recruited using a purposive non-random sampling method from five Special Care Centres. Transcripts were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using content analysis on NVivo15 software and halted after reaching saturation. Intercoder reliability was achieved with consensus agreement among researchers.
RESULTS:
Three overarching themes and sub-themes emerged: (1) Contraceptive knowledge, (1.1) Perceived benefits and disadvantages, (1.2) Primary Health Care and family as sources of knowledge. (2) Socio-economic survival, (2.1) Financial burden, (2.2) Preference of permanent solution. (3) Practical realities over cultural expectations, (3.1) Contraceptives are socially accepted in communities, (3.2) Willingness to forgo grandchildren.
CONCLUSIONS:
Contraceptive awareness among caregivers is not only a matter of health knowledge but also a reflection of socio-economic survival and pragmatic decision-making in reproductive health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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