Exploring Adolescent Contraceptive Use: The Voices of Parents/Guardians from a Selected Hospital in Lesotho

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services have drawn much attention in most African countries. Special focus had been directed toward the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. However, little is known about parental and guardians' roles in optimizing the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents 15 – 19 years in Leribe district, Lesotho. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents and guardians regarding contraceptive use by adolescents to prevent teenage pregnancy in the Leribe district. A qualitative exploratory study design was done using one-on-one semi-structured interviews with parents and guardians raising adolescents aged 15-19 years in their homes. Twelve parents and guardians attending healthcare services at the selected hospital were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using six steps of Thematic data analysis by Braun and Clarke. Six themes were identified from the study, parents and guardians knew about contraceptives and their use, contraceptive use was understood to prevent problems to the family, contraceptives were viewed as resulting in unfavorable behaviour to adolescents, experiences on sexual health communication were considered as significant and non-significant, outreach services were needed to reach vulnerable adolescents, and awareness about contraceptive use by adolescents. Participants were aware of the prevailing situation of teenage pregnancy and its consequences. That is why they advocated for contraceptive use by adolescents and engage in sexual health communication for their adolescents to make the right decisions concerning SRH issues.