Assessing Persistence on Pregnancies Among Youth Regardless of Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Programs in Mtandire, Lilongwe District.

This study assessed the persistence of pregnancies among the youth in Mtandire despite the availability of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. Although SRH education has been widely implemented through schools, health facilities, and community-based initiatives, youth pregnancies remain prevalent in this informal settlement. The research sought to understand the underlying challenges and trends influencing this persistence, as well as the lived experiences of young people navigating Sexual and Reproductive Health information within their community context. By focusing on youth perspectives, the study aimed to move beyond assumptions of knowledge deficiency and explore the broader social, economic, and relational factors shaping reproductive outcomes.
A qualitative research design was employed to capture these realities in depth, allowing participants to articulate their experiences, perceptions, and challenges in their own words. This approach was deemed appropriate given the sensitive nature of SRH issues and the need to understand subjective meanings attached to sexual behavior, decision-making, and pregnancy among young people. Data were collected from twelve purposively selected youths residing in Mtandire using structured questionnaires with open-ended questions. The purposive sampling technique ensured that participants had relevant experiences related to the study objectives and could provide rich, specific insights.
The collected data were analyzed thematically, enabling the identification of recurring patterns, dominant themes, and meaningful relationships within the responses. The findings revealed that while many young people demonstrated basic awareness of SRH messages such as contraception use, pregnancy prevention, and associated health risks this knowledge did not consistently translate into safe sexual practices. Several interrelated challenges were identified as contributing to early and unintended pregnancies. These included limited access to essential resources, persistent socio-economic hardships, and poverty related vulnerabilities that constrained young people’s ability to make autonomous reproductive choices. Peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance were also found to influence risky sexual behavior, particularly among adolescents seeking belonging and emotional support.
Furthermore, the study highlighted inconsistent parental and community guidance on SRH matters, often characterized by silence, stigma, or moral judgment rather than open communication and practical support. Misinformation and fear surrounding contraceptive use, coupled with concerns about stigma and negative attitudes from health providers, further discouraged youth from accessing SRH services. Gender and power imbalances within relationships also emerged as significant barriers, particularly for young women who often lacked decision-making power regarding contraception and sexual activity.
Overall, the study underscores the need for more youth-friendly, practical, and community supported approaches to SRH education in Mtandire. It emphasizes that effective interventions must extend beyond information provision to address structural, social, and relational barriers that limit behavior change. Strengthening parental engagement, reducing stigma, improving access to youth responsive services, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities are critical for enhancing the effectiveness of SRH programs and reducing youth pregnancies in similar urban informal settings.