Pregnancy and Parenting Experiences among Unmarried Students in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy

Abstract

Pregnancy experience among unmarried university students is a worldwide concern. Although pregnancy is not a disease for students, it may be accompanied by difficulties in accomplishing academic tasks, extra financial expenses, and social segregation by lecturers, peers, parents sometimes even partners. However, a good number of pregnant students and student mothers succeed in completing their studies. This study explored the experiences of unmarried pregnant and parenting students in institutions of higher learning in Tanzania. The study was conducted at MNMA, using a qualitative descriptive design. Undergraduate, unmarried pregnant, and parenting students were sampled purposively with a sample size was 20 participants. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect information. The information was analysed using thematic analysis based on Social Inclusion Theory. The study's findings produced five themes: emotional distress during pregnancy, people's reactions and perceptions during pregnancy and parenting, academic challenges during pregnancy and parenting, financial challenges, and students’ resilience during pregnancy and parenting. The study concludes that unmarried pregnant and parenting students require emotional, academic, and social support from the Academy and other stakeholders. The study recommends the importance of developing support programmes that focus on pregnant and parenting students in institutions of higher Learning.