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 st udents and their motherhood, their social environment, and the situati on of their children. The analysis of findings revealed four main fact ors that influenced students' pregnancies: lack of contraceptive knowl edge, ambiguous feelings about pregnancy and contraception, conflictin g messages concerning the reproductive role of young women, and the gi rls' low self-esteem in their interaction with older, experienced male partners. The study revealed that existing family planning programs f ail to address the needs of the sexually active school-age population. Recommendations are made concerning sex education and service deliver y.