Exploring Drug Abuse in relation to Unintended Early Pregnancies Among Learners at a Selected Masvingo Tertiary Institution.

Drug abuse is a public health and educational issue in Zimbabwe's Tertiary Institutions as they have produced unsafe sexual practices, which ultimately lead to unplanned pregnancy. This study aimed at finding out the effects of drug abuse on unwanted pregnancies of learners in a selected tertiary institution in Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe. It used problem behaviour theory as the guiding theory with a qualitative phenomenological design. A total of 20 participants were selected namely learners, lecturers, college counsellors and learner affairs personnel through purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a document analysis, with thematic analysis, were used to collect the data. Results showed that drug abuse affected learners' judgement, led to less safer negotiation, more transactional and unprotected sex relations and put learners at risk of unwanted pregnancy. Integrated interventions involving substance abuse, comprehensive sexuality education, psychosocial support and improvem       ent of institutions' policies are necessary to address the identified challenges, the study concluded. Joint action between tertiary institutions, the government, communities and parents and health providers is recommended for promoting learners' wellbeing.

Keywords: Drug abuse; Early pregnancies; Masvingo; Learners; Tertiary institutions; Zimbabwe.