Peer counselling as an intervention strategy to mitigate adolescent learners’ pregnancies in rural primary schools in the Matabeleland North region of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The research gap highlights a lack of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of peer counselling specifically tailored to address adolescent pregnancies in the context of rural primary schools in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. This study investigates peer counselling as an intervention strategy to mitigate the incidence of adolescent pregnancies among primary school learners in the rural Matabeleland North region of Zimbabwe. It employed a qualitative approach utilising a case study research design. Fifteen participants were purposively selected from three rural primary schools They were selected based on pertinent criteria, including gender representation, specialised expertise in adolescent health, geographical diversity, and educational backgrounds. They were two teachers (one male and one female), six learners (three boys and three girls), two counsellors (one male and one female), two parents (one male and one female), a member of parliament, a village head, a representative from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and a nurse. Two focus group discussions were used for data collection, one engaged with learners and the other involved adult stakeholders, including educators, counsellors, parents, and community leaders. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that primary school learners relied on peer counselling as a crucial source of information, mitigating pregnancies regarding sexual health and contraceptive options. They highlighted the perceived accessibility and relatability of peer counsellors compared to traditional adult figures. This study advocates for incorporating structured peer counselling programs within the school curricula in Zimbabwe, specifically tailored to enhance adolescents' sexual health literacy and decision-making skills. It concludes that these initiatives should be culturally responsive and integrated within the socio-economic fabric of the community, thereby ensuring the sustainability and relevance of peer counselling interventions.