Perception of High School Learners on the Factors Leading to Early Pregnancy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Early pregnancy is a situation which involves female adolescents. A teenage female can be pregnant as early as the age of twelve or thirteen, although it is usually fourteen and older. The fact that teenagers become pregnant is related to many factors. It has been a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed to lessen the problems of motherly adolescent childbearing. This is a serious issue that may seriously impact the future of a young woman. Any teen pregnancy will be a huge task as teens lack skills needed to handle a pregnancy and motherhood.

METHODS

This research study determined the Perception of High School Learners of the Integrated School of Lawa on the Factors Leading to Early Pregnancy. According to Orodho (2012), the descriptive survey design allows the researcher to gather information, summarize and interpret data for purposes of clarification. The descriptive survey design is useful in collecting information about people's attitudes, opinions, habits or perceptions about issues under investigation.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, the factors leading to early pregnancy as perceived by the participants were as follow (1) curiosity, (2) lack of parental guidance and presence, (3) drugs and intoxicating drinks, (4) X-rated movies, and (5) insufficient sex education. Out of the five factors that were mentioned, curiosity topped the other four as the major reason why girls get pregnant at their young age

DISCUSSIONS

As curiosity was the leading factor in why teens get pregnant early, the need for moral recovery was very much evident. Moral and spiritual formations should be a must as part of the school program. As for the other reasons, both parents and teachers could monitor and give positive intervention to the learners so as to help the teenagers avoid early pregnancy.