Bereda-Thakhathi, J.E.Nika, Thenjiswa Rigina2026-09-152026-09-152013Nika,T.R.An investigation into the high rate of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in Fort Beaufort area in the Eastern Cape province.Alice.University of Fort Hare.http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/5136Masters dissertationThe continued increase in teenage pregnancies in Fort Beaufort area in the Eastern Cape Province, prompted the researcher to investigate the reasons for the rise as well as the increase of sexually transmitted infections (STls) including HIV and AIDS between the ages of 15 to 19 years. Teenage pregnancies are taking place despite the presence of dual protection practice and health care awareness programmes related to health and sexuality education that are carried out by health providers in South Africa. In 2009, the Eastern Cape teenage pregnancy statistics showed a high pregnancy rate of 68, 81% of pregnant pupils per 1000 registered compared to13.9% of 2003 (SA news, 2009 report, 28/08/2009 12:00).The statistics of 2010 delivered teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age in Fort Beaufort hospital revealed an increase in the number of pregnant teenagers. In the light of the background provided above, this study investigated the underlying cause/s of the high teenage pregnancy rate and high rate of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS in Fort Beaufort. The objectives of the study were to: investigate the extent of teenage knowledge regarding dual protection practices, STls including HIV and AIDS infections, and to explore the behaviours and practices of teenagers with regard to prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. The research questions were; what is the knowledge of teenagers in Fort Beaufort area regarding the dual protection practices, STls as well as HIV and AIDS infections and what are the behaviours and practices of teenagers regarding prevention of STls including HIV and AIDS infections in Fort Beaufort area?enTeenage Pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeSexually transmitted diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeCondom use -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeSeduction -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeBirth control -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeHIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeAIDS(disease) in adolescence -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeThesis