Intersecting vulnerabilities: factors contributing to pregnancy among learners with disabilities in two Namibian resource schools

Learners with disabilities face compounded vulnerabilities that increase their risk of pregnancy while at school. Yet, research on the factors contributing to learner pregnancy in Namibian resource schools remains scarce. This qualitative study, guided by an intersectional, examined the factors contributing to learner pregnancy in two Namibian resource schools. Two Life Skills teachers and eight learners with disabilities were sampled purposively. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and learner-generated collages to accommodate diverse communication needs. Data were analysed thematically and four themes emerged: inadequate sexual and reproductive health and rights education and limited teaching resources, limited access to contraceptives, sexual abuse and poverty-driven exploitation, and lack of parental guidance. The findings reveal that disability intersects with poverty, inadequate sexual and reproductive health and rights education, poverty and absent parental support to create layered, compounding vulnerabilities rather than isolated risk factors. The study concludes that pregnancy among learners with disabilities cannot be addressed through a single-issue intervention. It recommends intersectional, multi-level interventions that simultaneously address educational, economic and protective measures. These should include accessible sexual and reproductive health and rights education materials, on-site contraceptive access and caregiver education on disability responsive child protection measures.