Social Construction of Premarital Sex and Adolescent Pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania

Dr. Wilhelmina Jerome Lyimo, Stephano Moshi Memorial University College (SMMUCo), Tanzania
Email: wilhelminalyimo@gmail.com

Received January 26, 2020; Revised August 19, 2020; Accepted August 31, 2020

Abstract: Premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies is a universal challenge that affects development. Globally, Tanzania is among countries with high rates of adolescent pregnancies (WHO, 2008, and Batha, 2013). The problem is a critical concern with prevalence increase from 23% in 2010 to 27% in 2016 (TDHS, 2016). The country has 72% of women engage in sex at 14-19 years (TDHS, 2010) and 44% of women becoming pregnant by 19 years (TDHS, 2014). This paper examined adolescents’ social construction of premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania. The main objective was to describe meanings that adolescents attach to the problem and determine how those meanings impact on their sexual behavior. This study engaged 90 respondents aged 13-24 years selected through purposive and snow ball sampling. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and documentary review. The study revealed the importance of interaction among adolescents in creating meanings which inform their sexual behavior.