Teenage pregnancy in the black farming community : guidelines for a social work preventative programme

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the nature and causes of teenage pregnancy in the black farming community in order to formulate guidelines for a social work preventive programme. To meet this aim, the following objectives were formulated: 1. To investigate the nature and causes of the incidence of teenage pregnancy in the black farming community; and 2. to formulate guidelines for a social work preventive programme with regard to the prevention of teenage pregnancy in the black farming community. These objectives were accomplished by means of a study of the relevant literature and through empirical research. The available literature on the subject was consulted to determine whether any research has been conducted in this field, and if the subject was researchable. The empirical research was conducted to confirm the previous research findings. The literature study and the empirical research were vital in formulating a social work preventive programme. In this research the survey method was used as a systematic fact-gathering procedure. Data was gathered through self-formulated questionnaires. The researcher administrated the questionnaires by holding personal interviews with the respondents. The research was conducted in Potchefstroom and 47 respondents were selected as a sample from the black farming community in the Rysmierbult area. The findings of this research reflected the incidence of teenage pregnancy in the black farming community. Social workers can to a large extent assist in preventing teenage pregnancy by means of a social work preventive programme. The social group work method can be used as an intervention strategy. In this research, the group work method is emphasised as an effective intervention strategy in the prevention of teenage pregnancy. Group work is a method that can be used to empower teenagers to improve the quality of their lives. Teenage pregnancy can be prevented to a large extent through a group work intervention programme by educating teenagers about the facts of life. In conclusion the proposed guidelines for a group work intervention programme are presented. These guidelines will assist the social worker and other professionals when rendering social work services to teenagers.