Sexuality, Relationship and Factors Leading to Teenage Pregnancy among Students of Gpnhs

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

World Health Organization defines Teenage Pregnancy as "any pregnancy from a girl who is 10-19 years of age”, the age being defined as her age at the time the baby is born. Often the terms "Teenage pregnancy" and "Adolescent pregnancy" are used as synonyms (Gazala, et. al 2013). Alarmed over the number of cases of teen pregnancies in Glan -Padidu National High School, a good school program for teenage pregnancy prevention must be established. Thus, this study aimed to serve as a source for the creation of an effective program to at least lessen the growth of statistics if not totally eliminate pre-marital sex among students at a very early stage.

METHODS

The researcher used descriptive-quantitative research design. The respondents of the study were nine (9) students who were identified using purposive random sampling method. The respondent's profile and factors leading to teenage pregnancy were determined through a survey. This study utilized a survey questionnaire. These questionnaires were adapted from the study of Zapanta (2014). When everything was set, the researcher administered the questionnaire one by one in their respective homes to secure confidentiality. The data gathered were treated statistically with the use of frequency count and percentage.

RESULTS

The data showed that respondents' parents were mostly at the elementary level in their educational attainment, earning Php 5,000 below monthly and most were self-employed. As to the context of sexuality and relationships, most of the respondents engaged in sex when they were 14-16 years old, with partners 20 years old and above. Because of physical attraction, expression of love, and curiosity they engaged in such activity. Various factors lead students to get involved in premarital sex. Environmental factors were also in play, this includes lack of parental supervision; exposure to media such as TV shows, movies, and peer pressure; and emotional factors such as the satisfaction of the sexual needs.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results above, pregnancy rates are higher among teenagers who live in a low socioeconomic background. It is also striking that peer pressure is prevalent among their peers and curiosity is real in engaging premarital sex. It is recommended that school, community, and families must work hand-in-hand to shield their teenagers against these phenomena. Increases in both health and social problems are products of uncontrollable sex among teenagers. Mainly because the youth cannot control their emotional feelings, they rush into untimely sex, in the belief that the act will be undetected. Schools could try interventions to get a better point across teens about how a child will affect their lives.