There is concern about poor knowledge of human sexuality and a high rate of teenage pregnancies among Blacks. The primary aim of the study was to measure the knowledge that teenagers have on human sexuality and to identify the sources from which they obtain such knowledge. The secondary aim was to detect how teenagers perceive the teenage pregnancy problem and its consequences. A descriptive study was undertaken. Questionnaires were handed out and collected from 210 teenagers in two Senior Secondary Schools at a Black township near Empangeni. The study revealed that teenagers have reasonable knowledge about the anatomy and development of the reproductive organs at puberty but lacked sex counselling which resulted in their failure to understand the implications of sexual behaviour. The levels of knowledge an utilisation of the Youth Health Services was found to be low. The study also revealed a high level of awareness of the negative consequences of teenage pregnancies. The teenagers had numerous suggestions to make for the prevention of teenage pregnancies.
PIP: Black teenagers obtain only minimal knowledge of the structure and development of human reproductive organs through school biology classes, and the discussion of sexuality between parents and their children is almost taboo. Concern therefore exists that this population subgroup is poorly informed about human sexuality. The author assessed the knowledge teenagers have on human sexuality and identified the sources from which they obtain such knowledge. Questionnaires were distributed to and collected from 210 teens in 2 Senior Secondary schools at a Black township near Empangeni. The 100 boys and 110 girls were 12-19 years old, with approximately 78% of the sample aged 16-19 years. While the teens were reasonably knowledgeable of the anatomy and development of the reproductive organs at puberty, they lacked the sex counseling needed to help them understand the implications of sexual behavior. Parents took no active part in teaching their children about sexuality even though most of the teens said that they would welcome such input and guidance. Respondents stressed the need for boys to also be counseled on their sexuality. Only 23% of the boys and 26% of the girls reported using the youth health center, with the center's unsuitable location noted by respondents as a reason for its nonuse. The teens were largely aware of the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy, and suggested ways to prevent such pregnancies.