PROBLEMS RELATED TO SCHOOLGIRL PREGNANCIES IN BURKINA-FASO

A qualitative study of pregnancy among schoolgirls in a small town in Burkina Faso was conducted that described the situation of pregnant students and their motherhood, their social environment, and the situation of their children. The analysis of findings revealed four main factors that influenced students' pregnancies: lack of contraceptive knowledge, ambiguous feelings about pregnancy and contraception, conflicting messages concerning the reproductive role of young women, and the girls' low self-esteem in their interaction with older, experienced male partners. The study revealed that existing family planning programs fail to address the needs of the sexually active school-age population. Recommendations are made concerning sex education and service delivery.