The Adolescent Learner’s Perspectives Regarding the Influence of TikTok on the Prevention of Pregnancy in Vhembe District

TikTok is one of the most widely used social media platforms globally, especially among adolescents who increasingly rely on it for health-related information. Given the growing concern of adolescent pregnancy and the role of social media in shaping contraceptive behaviours, this study explored adolescent learners’ perspectives on TikTok’s influence on pregnancy prevention in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.To explore and describe adolescent learners’ perspectives on the influence of TikTok in pregnancy prevention in the Vhembe District.

A qualitative cooperative inquiry design was used. A total of 100 adolescent learners (aged 16–19 years; both male and female; Grades 10–12) participated, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through the Lekgotla discussion method in two high schools and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis in NVivo version 14. Discussions were conducted in both English and Venda, transcribed verbatim, and backtranslated to ensure accuracy. Data collection continued until no new information emerged, confirming data saturation. Two researchers independently coded the data, achieving consensus through discussion to ensure inter-coder reliability.

Four major themes emerged: (1) home-based concoction recipes used as pregnancy prevention methods, (2) use of other home-based pregnancy prevention methods, (3) home-based pregnancy test recipes, and (4) different types of contemporary contraceptive methods. Findings revealed that adolescents are exposed to both accurate and misleading information on TikTok, with myths such as Coca-Cola-based concoctions perceived as effective despite health risks.

TikTok influences adolescent perceptions of pregnancy prevention, often spreading misinformation and myths while occasionally promoting modern contraceptive awareness. Integrating digital health literacy, stricter social media regulation, and adolescent-friendly sexual health services is essential to counter misinformation and promote evidence-based contraceptive use.