1

Chapter 1

The Problem

Introduction

Teenage pregnancy is defined as a teenage girl, usually within the ages of

13-19, becoming pregnant or it refers to girls who have not reached legal

adulthood. On the other hand, Teenage Parenthood is the state of a teen being a

parent. Despite being a teen he or she has to perform the role of a parent.

Parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment. Nowadays, the

percentage of being a teenage parent is increasing continuously (unicef.org).

Teenage pregnancy is one of the serious issues in the society. Recide

(2014), stated that one in ten young Filipino women age 15-19 has begun

childbearing: 8 percent are already mothers and another 2 percent are pregnant

with their first child according to the results of the 2013 National Demographic

and Health Survey (NDHS). Among young adult women age 20 to 24, 43 percent

are already mothers and 4 percent are pregnant with their first child.

Similarly, early pregnancy and motherhood varies by education, wealth

quintile, and region. It is more common among young adult women age 15 to 24

with less education than among those with higher education (44 percent for

women with elementary education versus 21 percent for women with college

education). Early childbearing is also more common in CARAGA (38 percent) and

Cagayan Valley (37 percent) than other regions. The proportion of young adult

women who have begun childbearing is higher among those classified as

 2

belonging to poor households than those in wealthier households (37 percent for

young women in the lowest wealth quintile versus 13 percent for women in the

highest wealth quintile) (psa.gov.ph).

World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines in 2011 with the

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on preventing early pregnancies and reducing poor

reproductive outcomes. These made recommendations for action that countries

could take, with 6 main objectives: reducing marriage before the age of 18;

creating understanding and support to reduce pregnancy before the age of 20;

increasing the use of contraception by adolescents at risk of unintended

pregnancy; reducing coerced sex among adolescents; reducing unsafe abortion

among adolescents; increasing use of skilled antenatal, childbirth and postnatal

care among adolescents.

Dr. Baltag, a World Health Organization (WHO) medical officer working on

adolescent health, says that more information is needed to target this age group

with suitable programs: “We don’t know the extent to which adolescents are

seeking health care and we don’t have data that is dis-aggregated by age”

(who.int).

The Department of Health (DOH) admitted that the problem on teenage

pregnancy has remained in the Philippines despite the passage of the

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH Law). In his speech

during the celebration of the World Population Day 2016, DOH Undersecretary

Gerardo Bayugo said there is a need to address more adequately the problem of
 3

teen pregnancy. “It is truly an opportune time that we converge to accelerate

our efforts to address population issues, one of which is teenage pregnancy,”

said Bayugo. He noted how the rate of teenage pregnancy has already more

than doubled from 6.3 percent in 2003 to 13.6 percent in 2013 (sunstar.com.ph).

The disadvantage impact of the teenage pregnancy face critical health

risks, including: inadequate nutrition during pregnancy due to poor eating habits;

dangers associated with the reproductive organs not ready for birth; and

maternal death due to higher risk of eclampsia, among others.

Based on the information on Teenage Parenthood, the researchers

conducted this study on teenage pregnancy or teenage parenthood of selected

barangays in Legazpi City namely: Bogtong, Bonot, Bagumbayan, Bigaa, Rawis,

Tamaoyan, and Dita, which aimed to determine factors associated with teenage

parenthood.

Statement of the Problem

The study focused on Teenage Parenthood Cases, specifically, it sought

answers to the following questions:

1. What is the profile of teenage parents in terms of:

a. Gender

b. Age

c. Sibling rank

d. Educational Attainment/ Status

e. Marital Status
 4

2. What are the factors that cause the teenage parenthood in terms of:

a. Family

b. Peers

c. Community or Culture

d. Personal life or Lifestyle

3. What is the impact of teenage parenthood in terms of:

a. Health Status

b. Educational Attainment

c. Financial Status

d. Social Status

4. What suggestions or recommendation as perceived by the teenage

parents to avoid teenage parenthood?

Objectives of the Study

This study has identified the following research objectives:

1. To determine the profile in terms of gender, age, sibling rank, educational

attainment and marital status.

2. To determine the impact of teenage parenthood in terms of health status,

educational attainment, financial status and social status.

3. To identify the factors that causes teenage parenthood in terms of family,

peers, community or culture, and personal life or lifestyle.

4. To determine the suggestions or recommendations of teenage parents to

avoid teenage parenthood.

 5

Scope and Delimitation

This study focused on Teenage Parenthood Cases of Selected Barangays

in Legazpi City. The objectives of the study were to determine the profile of the

exponents in terms of gender, age, sibling rank, and educational attainment to

determine the impact of teenage parenthood in terms of health status,

educational attainment, and financial status to identify the factors that cause

teenage parenthood in terms of family, peers, community or culture, and

personal life or lifestyle. And to determine the suggestions or recommendations

of teenage parents to avoid teenage parenthood. The respondents in this study

were the teenage parents of the selected barangays in Legazpi City. A

questionnaire employing 4-point Likert scale was utilized. This quantitative

research utilizing descriptive design was conducted on July-August 2017.

Significance of the Study

The findings of the study may provide deeper insights on the teenage

parenthood. The following were the beneficiaries who directly gained from the

result of this study:

Parents. This study may serve as a help to guide their children properly to avoid

teenage parenthood.

Students. This study can provide an eye-opener to students about teenage

parenthood.

Teachers. This study may serve as a guide for the teachers to help the

student’s perception about teenage parenthood.

 6

Researchers. This study can be used to help the researchers in conducting

similar researches.

Economy. The study can benefit the country’s economy in knowing the number

of teenage parents in a certain barangay. They can make steps to help teenage

parents contribute to the country’s economy and reduce the number of teenage

parents.

Government. This study may serve as a support or basis about teenage

parenthood to focus that there is a way to lessen the cases of teenage

parenthood by using program, contraceptive and educate them.

 7

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies,

synthesis of the art, theoretical framework and its paradigm, conceptual

framework and its paradigm, gap bridged by the study and the definition of

terms that are used in this study.

Related Literature

Teenage pregnancy is defined as occurring between thirteen and nineteen

years of age. There are, however, girls as young as ten who are sexually active

and occasionally become pregnant and give birth. When being inclusive of all

girls who can become pregnant and give birth, the term used is adolescent

pregnancy, which describes the emotional and biological developmental stage

called adolescence. The concern over the age at which a young woman should

give birth has existed throughout human history (academia.edu).

In the Philippines, according to the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and

Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (Uppi)

and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation, 26 percent of

Filipino youth nationwide from ages 15 to 25 admitted to having a premarital sex

experience. What’s worse is that 38 percent of youth are already in a live-in

arrangement (youthproblemsinthephilippines.weebly.com).

Results from cumulative years of the National Demographic and Health

Survey and the latest result of the 2011 Family Health Survey, show that
 8

teenage pregnancy in the Philippines, measured as the proportion of women who

have begun childbearing in their teen years, has been steadily rising over a 35-

year period. These teenage mothers are predominantly poor, reside in rural

areas and have low educational attainment. However, this paper observes a

trend of increasing proportions of teenagers who are not poor, who have better

education and are residents of urban areas, who have begun childbearing in their

teens. Among the factors that could help explain this trend are the younger age

at the first occurrence of menstruation, premarital sexual activity at a young age,

the rise in cohabiting unions in this age group and the possible decrease in the

stigma of out-of-wedlock pregnancy (Natividad, 2013).

According to the study done by the Population Institute of the University

of the Philippines, more than 46 percent of teenage pregnant woman resort to

induced abortion which is against the law and the Church; 2 of every 5 teenage

pregnancies are unwanted ones. If the government will not start acting on this,

this problem will be worse as years go by.

(youthproblemsinthephilippines.weebly.com).

Teenagers nowadays are sexually active without their parents knowing

their sexual activities. Often times, media promote sexuality to the young which

may cause them to be misled with wrong information about sex and they might

be misguided, that is why parents play an important role to the lives of their

children. Once a pregnancy occurs from premarital sex, the couple is bound to
 9

live together for the rest of their lives with or without marriage because they

have now the obligation to raise the child (Challenges.org).

Related Studies

The study conducted by RufinaTutai-van Eijk (2007) entitled, “Factors

Contributing to Teenage Pregnancies in Rarotonga, Cook Islands”, identified the

factors contributing to unintended teenage pregnancies and the low utilization of

government and NGO family planning clinics or community based services that

have been available in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. An exploratory qualitative study

with focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observation was

undertaken. This was accompanied by a quantitative element involving school-

based survey of students to determine the level of knowledge and attitude

towards teenage pregnancies as well as utilization of health service. The

respondents comprised both males and females, 15-19 years of age, and health

care providers. Results revealed a higher percentage of the students were

knowledgeable about family planning, services and factors associated with

teenage pregnancy. However, very few used contraception. Recommendation

showed the need to improve awareness activities at the national and community

levels. The present study is similar since it identified factors that caused teenage

parenthood. However, the impact of teenage pregnancy in Health status,

Educational attainment and financial status was investigated.

The study conducted by Nkwanyana (2012) entitled, “A Study of the High

Rate of Teenage Pregnancy in High Schools in the Ilembe District”, established

 10

whether the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the high schools of Ilembe

District was caused by the child support grant other contributory factors and

determine methods to minimize the high rate of pregnancy in teenagers. A

questionnaire was used to obtain information about thoughts, feelings, attitudes,

beliefs, values, perceptions, personality, and behavioral intention of research

participants. Interview was also conducted to obtain necessary information. The

respondents of the study are high school students. Result revealed that

teenagers at Ilembe district do not get enough sexual information from their

parents. However, television, magazines, friends and educators serve as source

of information. Poverty and sugar daddies contribute to teenage pregnancy. The

recommendation includes: Peer groups, teen mothers, Life Orientation teachers.

The present study has the same bearing since it determined the factors that

caused teenage parenthood, however small number of respondents was utilized.

The study conducted by James (2008) entitled, “Continuity and Change: A

Cultural Analysis of Teenage Parents in a Cree community”, presents a cultural

analysis of teenage pregnancy in a Cree community. In the last fifty years old

and material change, prompted by residential schooling and the growth of

settlement life, have catalyzed a shift in teenage perceptions of parental

authority and norms of social relations. Interviews were conducted to gather

information regarding personal experiences of school, adolescents, marriage,

child bearing and family life. And a series factual questions regarding, age,

family, religion and occupation. The informants were divided into three age
 11

groups: teenagers and young women in their twenties, middle-aged and elder

women. In this contemporary context, the meanings of teenage childbearing are

multiple and different for each individual. Although a biological factor teenage

pregnancy may also be seen as a product of how differentials in power between

teenagers. Their peers and people of different age and social groupings are

played out. The construction of a category of adolescence and the centrality of

fertility and reproduction are keys to understanding the social and symbolic

significance of teenage pregnancy. This analysis emphasized the interactive

relationship between historical change, ideological beliefs and individual

perceptions in shaping the meaning of teenage pregnancy to a Cree community.

The present study has the same bearing since identified the factors that caused

teenage parents and the profile of teenager parents, however the respondents

were teenagers and adult related to the teenage parents.

The study conducted by Martin (2013) entitled, “The Significant Relationship

Between Adversity Quotient and Self-Efficacy of Teenage Mothers”, determined

the significant relationship between Adversity Quotient and Self-efficacy which

uses descriptive correlational. The respondents were teenage mothers ages 18-

21. Snowball sampling was used. Two questionnaires were used for the data

gathering. Results revealed that there is no significant relationship between the

two variables, Adversity Quotient and Self-efficacy (peaklearning.com).

The present study has the same bearing since it utilized teenage parents as

the respondents. The descriptive research design was also applied in the present
 12

study. However, it made use of a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire. While in the

related study the respondents gave their own suggestions or recommendations

to avoid teenage pregnancy or parenthood.

Synthesis of the Art

The work of Eijk (2007), tackled about the factors contributing to

unintended teenage pregnancy and the low utilization of government and Non-

Governmental Organization (NGO) family planning clinics. Eijk used convenience

sampling method in gathering which can also be used in the present study. The

study conducted by Nkwanyana (2012), stated that the teenager do not get

enough sexual information from their parents, however the media, books and

friends serve as the source of information. Nkwanyana used questionnaire as the

data gathering tool to be submitted to the respondents and also, this can be

utilized in the current study. The work of Martin (2013), tackled about the

significant relationship between adversity quotient and self-efficacy. The study of

James (2008), emphasizes the interactive relationship between historical change,

ideological beliefs and individual perceptions. James approached the respondents

in their houses and asked them in participating in an interview to gather data. In

the present study the researchers will also approach the respondents in their

houses to gather data utilizing a 4-point Likert questionnaire.

The present study differs from the other studies for the reason that they

focused on teenage pregnancy in different schools while the setting of the

 13

present study is the Community. The researchers came up with the process of

the study by means of the studies conducted by Eijk (2007), Nkwanyana (2012),

Martin (2013) and James (2008).

Gap Bridged by the study

Determining the status of teenage pregnancy will help the government or

the department which is in charge of the issues on teenage parents to identify

the number of teenage pregnancy in a certain place and by knowing this they

can make programs to help teenage parents to contribute to the country’s

economy to further reduce the number of teenage parents. Also, determining the

factors that cause teenage pregnancy is important because this will help

teenagers to avoid early parenthood.

The literature and studies gathered were somehow related to the current

study. Most presented in the review are studies about teenage pregnancy and

the factors causing it. Although many studies about teenage pregnancy are

conducted all over the world and in the Philippines now and then, there is no

study in the present discussing the teenage parenthood cases of selected

barangays in Legazpi City. This is the gap bridged by the study.

Theoretical Framework

Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura was utilized as the main theory

of this study. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory says that people learn through

observing others’ behavior, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors. “Most

 14

human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing

others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later

occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action”, Social Inoculation

(Bandura). Social learning theory explains human behaviors in terms of

continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and

environmental influences (learning-theories.com). Individuals that are observed

are called models. In society, children are surrounded by many influential

models, such as parents within the family, characters on children’s TV, friends

within their peer group and teachers at school.

The Modeling Process developed by Bandura helps people understand that

not all observed behaviors could be learned effectively, nor learning can

necessarily result to behavioral changes. Later, Bandura soon considered

personality as an interaction between three components: the environment,

behavior, and one’s psychological processes (learning-theories.com).

 15

Figure 1 Theoretical Paradigm

 16

Conceptual Framework

This study aimed to look into or know about the teenage parenthood

profile of teenager respondents from selected barangays of Legazpi City in terms

of gender, age, financial status, sibling rank, educational attainment, and marital

status. This study also identified the factors that causing teenage pregnancy in

terms of family, peers, community or culture, and personal life or lifestyle. In

addition, the study also focused on the impact of teenage parenthood in terms of

health status, educational attainment, financial status, and social status.

Furthermore, this study aimed to look for the suggestions or recommendations

as perceived by the teenage parents to avoid teenage pregnancy. The factors

were considered as tools in determining the common forms of Teenage

Parenthood. The profile of the respondents served as the variable in identifying

the present state of the teenager parenthood and is regarded as independent

variable in this study. It was used to help researchers to understand the inter

relatedness of the respondents’ profile to the teenage parenthood encountered

the effects of health status, educational attainment, financial status, and social

status. The responses of the respondents served as variables in distinguishing

the factors that cause teenage pregnancy in terms of family, peers, community

or culture, and personal life/ lifestyle. It helped the researchers to identify the

impacts related to teenage pregnancy. The Findings of this study have been

subjected to analysis in order to derive its implication to the social work practice.

The conceptual paradigm of the study follows.

 17

Figure 2 Conceptual Paradigm

 18

Definition of terms

For easy in understanding the used in the study. The following terms were

defined conceptual and operationally. This will help the readers to better

understand the term used.

Teenage Pregnancy – is defined as a teenage girl, usually within the ages of

13-19, becoming pregnant or refers to girls who have not reached legal

adulthood (unicef.org).

Teenage Parenthood – is the state of being a mother or a father within the

ages of 13-19 (unicef.org).

Childbearing – the condition of a female that is going to have a baby (Merriam

Webster Dictionary).

Perceive – become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or

understand (Merriam Webster Dictionary).

Health Status –is a holistic concept that is determined by more than the

presence or absence of any disease. It is often summarized by life expectancy

or self-assessed health status, and more broadly includes measures of

functioning, physical illness, and mental wellbeing (aihw.gov.au).

Financial Status – The status of the assets, liabilities, and owners' equity

(and their interrelationships) of an organization, as reflected in its financial

statements (businessdictionary.com).

Educational Attainment – refers to the highest level of schooling that a

person has reached (statcan.gc.ca).

 19

Notes

Related Literature

https://www.academia.edu/10611907/CHAPTER_I_RELATED_LITERATURE_TEE
NAGE_PREGNANCY_Related_Literature_LOCAL

http://youthproblemsinthephilippines.weebly.com/teenage-pregnancy.html

http://asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/49

https://www.scribd.com/doc/51595306/Teenage-Pregnancies-in-the-Philippines-

Related Study

http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/pacific/drive/TeenPregnancies_Cooks.pdf

http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/6809/dissertation_nkwanyana_tr.p
df;sequence=1

https://www.peaklearning.com/documents/PEAK_GRI_legaspi.pdf
 20

Chapter 3

Research Design and Methodology

This chapter presents methods, designs and procedures that the

researchers used in gathering and collecting the needed data and information for

the study. The chapter includes the locale of the study, sources of data, data

gathering procedures, instrument used and the statistical treatment utilized for

valid and reliable interpretation of data.

Research Design

The researchers used the descriptive type of research which is intended to

describe or explain relationships among phenomena, situations, and events as

they occur. The major purpose of descriptive research is to provide an overall

“picture” of population of the phenomenon by describing situations or events

(Thyer, 2001). In accordance to the definition of descriptive research, the study

aims to know the impacts of teenage parenthood in terms of health status,

financial status, educational attainment and social status.

Sources of Data

The primary sources of data came from the teenage parents and their

immediate family from selected Barangays in Legazpi City while the secondary

sources of data are from journals, feature, related studies, and articles.

Locale of the Study

The city of Legazpi with an approximately 5.7 million populations and one

of the biggest cities in Region V where teenage parenthood is one of the

 21

community’s problem. This study was conducted on the selected barangays in

Legazpi City namely: Bogtong, Bonot, Bagumbayan, Bigaa, Rawis, Tamaoyan,

and Dita.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this descriptive type research are the 30 conveniently

selected individuals who have been teenage parents and the immediate family of

these teenage parents at selected Barangays in Legazpi City.

Data Gathering Procedures

In the conduct of this study, the researchers had undertaken the following

procedures during the data gathering: The researchers sought for approval from

the research adviser and the barangay captains of selected barangays in Legazpi

City. From the records of the Barangay, the respondents were gathered. Face to

face conduct of the survey was important to get the data needed. The gathered

data were tabulated through the application of appropriate statistical treatment.

Instrument Used

In obtaining data from the respondents, the researchers used a 4-point

Likert scale questionnaire as research instrument. The questionnaire has 3 parts;

The Personal Profile, Factors of Early Parenthood and Impacts or Effects of Early

Parenthood.

Statistical Treatment

The data gathered in this study has been subjected to statistical analysis

using descriptive statistics. The frequency count measure of central tendencies

 22

like mean was used to interpret the data. Frequency count was used in tallying

the respondents’ responses along the given questionnaire. The mean or average

was computed as sum of the data divided by the number of the respondents.

Formula: X =
Where:
X = mean

∑x = sum of entries

n = number of respondents
 23

Figure no. 3 Flow Chart

 24

Chapter 4

Teenage Parenthood Cases in Selected Barangays in Legazpi City

This chapter presents the results and interpretation of the data gathered

by the researchers based on the survey questionnaire administered to the

respondents. This chapter also presents the interpretation of data based on the

results gathered.

Profile of Teenage Parents

Gender. Majority of the respondents were female equivalent to 87%.

Commonly, the one who shoulder all the responsibilities and suffer from the

consequences of having a baby at early age were female teenage parents.

Females are more appropriate as a respondent to get a great insight about the

factors and impacts of early parenthood.

Age. Among the 30 respondents, 57% of the teenage parents were at present

aged 20-24 and 30% were 15-19 years old. According to the results of the 2013

National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), one in ten young Filipino

women age 15-19 has begun childbearing: 8% are already mothers and another

2% are pregnant with their first child. Among young adult women age 20 to 24,

43% are already mothers and 4% are pregnant with their first child. And 15% of

young adult women ae 20-24 had their first child or began living with their first

partner.
 25

Sibling Rank. Results revealed that the 1st and 2nd siblings comprised 74% of

those teenage-parents among the 30 respondents. According to 2008 NDHS

conducted by NSO indicated a steady decline in fertility 3.3 children per woman.

Educational Attainment. It was noted that the highest percentage of teenage-

parent were high school graduates which consist of 53% while only 23% were at

least college level and 17% were college graduate at the time this interview was

made. According to 2013 NDHS, it is more common to young adult women age

20-24 with less education than among those with higher education (44% for

women with elementary education versus 21% for women with college

education).

Marital Status. Majority of the teenage parents were single which consists of

70%. The 2013 NDHS reveals that 15% of young adult women age 20-24 had

their first marriage or began living with their first spouse or partner by age 18.

Table 1. Profile of Teenage Parents

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 4 13.33%
Female 26 86.67%

Age
15-19 9 03.00%
20-24 17 56.60%
25-29 2 06.70%
30-Above 2 06.70%
 26

Sibling Rank
1-2 22 74.00%
3-4 4 13.00%
5-Above 4 13.00%

Educational Attainment
Elementary Graduate
High School Graduate
College Under Graduate
College Graduate
2 06.67%
16 53.33%
7 23.33%
5 16.67%

Marital Status
Single 21 70.00%
Live-In 4 13.33%
Married 5 16.67%

Factors that Caused Teenage Parenthood

Results revealed that among the four factors cited, respondents disagreed

that family, peers and personal or life style are not causes of teenage

parenthood. This is due to the fact that the respondents have a positive family

interaction and communication. Moreover, the relationship between the

respondents and their peers has a positive mind set about sexual activities and

matters. And the respondents themselves have self-discipline, spiritual life, and

ambition in life.

However, respondents agreed that community or culture was a cause of

teenage parenthood. This is due to the lack of programs, services, and

information with regard to teenage pregnancy

 27

Table 2. Summary Results of the Factors that Cause Teenage Parenthood

Factors of Early
Weighted Mean Description
Parenthood
A. Family
Have received constant
parental guidance and 3.43 Disagree
supervision.
Have a positive family
3.37 Disagree
interaction.
Have a positive parent-
3.47 Disagree
child communication.
B. Peers
Encouraged by peers to
involve in sexual 1.73 Disagree
activities.
Belief that most peers are
1.6 Disagree
sexually active.
Dating begins at an early
2.27 Disagree
age.
Having friends who are
1.93 Disagree
sexually active.
C. Community/ Culture
Family with sexual and
reproductive health 2.37 Agree
information.
Lack of community
coordinated programs for 2.53 Agree
youth.
Lack of unimplemented
social support, and
2.67 Agree
positive educational and
recreational activities.
D. Personal/ Lifestyle
Lack of spiritual life. 2.2 Disagree
Alcohol or drug use. 1.8 Disagree
Seeks attention from
2.27 Disagree
others.
Limited education. 2.03 Disagree
Lack of future-oriented
1.87 Disagree
goals.
Being rebellious/
1.73 Disagree
disobedient.
 28

Family. The respondents disagreed that family is a cause of teenage

parenthood. However, according to Panday, et al (2009), as cited by Nkwanyana

(2012, p. 23), among the various dimension of family social support, parent-

adolescent communication on issues of sexual behavior and childbearing is very

important.

Peers. Majority of the respondents disagreed that peer is a factor affecting

teenage parenthood. However, according to More and Rosenthal, (1993:67), as

cited by Nkwanyana (2012, p. 28), peer influence and pressure is often cited as

one of the most influential factors affecting adolescents’ sexual decisions.

Community or Culture. Most of the respondents agreed that community or

culture is a cause of teenage parenthood. This was supported by DOH

Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said there is a need to address more adequately

the problem of teen pregnancy. “It is truly an opportune time that we converge

to accelerate our efforts to address population issues, one of which is teenage

pregnancy,” said Bayugo.

Moreover, according to Kansumba (2002: 28), adolescents represent a

large population. Adolescents mature and some of them become sexually active.

They face more serious health risks. Most face risks with too little factual

information, too little guidance about sexual responsibility and multiple barriers

to accessing health service. There are health services that do not function

effectively due to inadequate budget, insufficient staff with sufficient time, staff

not being specifically designated and trained for the job, too little participation
 29

from teenage population, lack of support from surrounding communities and a

lack of co-operation between the schools, clinics and youth health centers, and

adolescent services often forming part of the overcrowded adult family planning

services (Kansumba, 2002: 28).

Personal Lifestyle. Majority of the respondents disagreed that personal

lifestyle is a cause of teenage parenthood. However, there are social pressures

that push the teens toward falling pregnant. Some girls feel that they will only be

accepted as girls once they have proved their fertility, and 14 there are some

mothers that want their daughters to become pregnant so that they could have a

baby at home again. The high rate of drug and alcohol abuse contributes a lot to

teenage pregnancy. When a teenager is being intoxicated with drugs and/or

alcohol she may find herself doing unprotected sex which may result in

pregnancy or HIV (Teenage pregnancy issue in Our World Today, 2008:2). As

cited by Nkwanyana (2012, p. 19).

Impact of Teenage Parenthood

Results revealed that teenage parenthood has an impact in educational

attainment of the teenage parent; this was supported by the highest percentage

of being a high school graduate among the 30 respondents. Moreover, now

financial status was also considered as a consequence of teenage parenthood.

However, health status of parent and child, and social status of parent

was not affected by being a teenage parent. This is due to the support given to

them by the family financially and emotionally as revealed in the family not being
 30

a factor of table 3 below that shows the summary of impact of teenage

parenthood

Table 3. Summary Results of the Impacts of Teenage Parenthood

Impact/ Effect of Early

Weighted Mean Description
Parenthood
A. Health
a) Parent
Had suffered from illness. 1.9 Disagree
Had Suffered depression
2.17 Disagree
after giving birth.
b) Child
The child is not healthy
1.4 Disagree
since birth.
The child had ailments
which require medical 1.67 Disagree
attention.
B. Education
a) Parent
Had drop-out of school. 2.07 Agree
Graduated from high
3.5 Agree
school.
Graduated from college. 2.03 Agree
C. Financial
Have financial capacity to
provide child’s everyday 3.03 Agree
needs.
Received financial support
from the father/mother of 3.33 Agree
the child.
Have capacity to sustain
medical and nutritional 3.17 Agree
needs of the child.
Have capacity to send the
3.3 Agree
child to school.
Have a job as of today. 2.9 Agree
D. Social
Had lost contact with
friends and others in their 2.13 Disagree
social groups.
Had difficulty in 2.2 Disagree
 31

developing sense of self-

identity.
Had been alienated from Disagree
1.77
family and friends.

Health Status. The respondents disagreed that teenage parenthood has an

impact on the health status of both parent and child. However, Coddington’s

research reveals that pregnant adolescents experience significant stress which

could negatively impact their physical state if it went unmanaged (Jones &

Battle, 1990:97). Teenage mothers are also likely to have sexually transmitted

diseases which can also be passed to the baby. A young teenager is more likely

to give birth to an unhealthy, low birth weight infant because the girl’s body may

not be ready to support pregnancy (Martin, 2003:51). The teenagers that fall

pregnant under the age of fifteen, less than 36 percent of them seek prenatal

care within the first trimester. This puts the infant at risk of being premature and

having a low birth weight (Nkwanyana 2012, p.36).

Educational Attainment. Most of the respondents agreed that teenage

parenthood has an impact on educational attainment of the teenage parents.

According to Greathead (1998:157), the pregnant girl’s secondary and tertiary

education may be limited. Approximately only one half of the girls who give birth

before the age of 18 complete schools, in that case life span and career goals

are disrupted.

Financial status. Majority of the respondents agreed that teenage parenthood

has an impact on the financial status. Moreover, the teenage mothers from low
 32

socio-economic spheres often have to rely on social services for support either

medically or financially (Gouws, at al, 2008: 210). Child bearing during

adolescence is perceived as a trap that propels young mothers on a downwards

spiral in socio-economic terms (Naidoo, 2005:56).

Social Status. The respondents agreed that early parenthood has an impact on

social status. However, a young mother, particularly a single mother, will have

less time to socialize, develop as an individual, and learn how to develop health

interpersonal relationships (Naidoo, 2005:56). The pregnant girl experiences

isolation from peers. Emotions experienced as a result of the extreme difficulty of

coping with pregnancy may lead to disappointment, anger, depression, and

feeling of being trapped, loneliness, anxiety and insecurity (Greathead,

1998:158).
 33

Chapter 5

Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

This chapter presents the summary of findings based on the data

gathered, conclusions drawn from the findings, and recommendations for further

improvements.

Summary of Findings

1. In terms of the personal profile of the respondents, most of the

respondents were female and in the age bracket 20 to 24. It was noted

that the highest percentage of teenage-parent were high school graduate.

Results revealed that the 1st and 2nd siblings comprised the highest

percentage of those teenage-parents. Among the 30 respondents the

majority of the teenage parents were single.

2. With regard to the factors affecting teenage parenthood, results revealed

that among the 4 factors cited, respondents agreed that family, peers and

personal or lifestyle are not factors affecting teenage parenthood.

However, the respondents agreed that community is a cause of teenage

parenthood.

3. In terms of the impacts of early parenthood. The respondents disagreed

that early parenthood has an impact on health status of both mother and

child after giving birth. The respondents disagreed that early parenthood

has an impact on the health status on their educational attainment,

financial status, and social status.

 34

4. The respondents suggested or recommended that the family should have

positive interactions and an open communication about teenage

parenthood and sex in order to avoid teenage parenthood. Also, proper

parental guidance and having spiritual discipline will help avoid teenage

parenthood.

Conclusions

1. In terms of the personal profile of the respondents, most of the teenage

parents were female, high school graduate, eldest and 2 nd to the eldest

and single.

2. Among the 4 factors cited, the respondents agreed that community or

culture is a cause of teenage parenthood. In addition, family, peers and

personal or life style are not factors that cause teenage parenthood.

3. Teenage parenthood has an impact to the educational attainment of the

parents and financial status. However, teenage parenthood does not

affect the health status of both mother and child, and social status.

4. The suggestion or recommendation given by the respondents to avoid

teenage parenthood are positive family interaction, open communication

about teenage parenthood, sex, proper parental guidance and spiritual

discipline.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions made, the following

recommendations were drawn:

 35

1. The Department of Health (DOH) and other that may concern teenage

parenthood should provide counseling sessions with teenager and also to

address the health status, educational attainment, financial status and

social status needs of teenager by knowing the teenage parenthood.

2. Encourage the teenagers to participate in the seminar that helps them to

have knowledge about teenage parenthood and how to use

contraceptives.

3. The community or barangay should conduct trainings and seminars about

the teenage parenthood and also the community has to implement

activities program to lessen teenage parenthood.

4. In terms of economy, every barangay in Legazpi City should advocate

ways to raise the awareness and to help teenage parents contribute to the

community and to reduce the number of teenage parents.

5. Future researchers may undertake research study about the teenage

parenthood cases of selected barangays in Legazpi City. Moreover, the

studies with the same bearing like; life stories of a teenager getting

pregnant at the early age and how they have overcome to raise their

child.
 36

Appendices

Appendix A Certificate of Validation of Research Instrument

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region V (Bicol)
School Division of Legazpi City
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
________________________________________________________________
______

Certification of Validation

Title of Research Questionnaire: Teenage Parenthood Questionnaire

Research Representative: Mc Carlos Marcos

Date of Validation: September 27, 2017

Action Taken:

Approved for Utilization

Disapproved

Other: (please specify):

___________________________________________

Suggestion/ Recommendation:

(Sgd.) Sheila Jadie

Guidance Counselor
 37

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region V (Bicol)
School Division of Legazpi City
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
________________________________________________________________
______

Certification of Validation

Title of Research Questionnaire: Teenage Parenthood Questionnaire

Research Representative: Mc Carlos Marcos

Date of Validation: September 27, 2017

Action Taken:

Approved for Utilization

Disapproved

Other: (please specify):

___________________________________________

Suggestion/ Recommendation:

(Sgd.) Francia Panesa

Guidance Counselor
38
39
 40

Appendix D Validate Questionnaire

Teenage Parenthood Questionnaire

Dear Respondent,

This questionnaire contains very personal questions. However, the

researchers would like to understand the factors and impact of Teenage Parenthood
based from a personal experience, we are confident that you are the right person who
can help us regarding this matter. For this reasons, we would like to solicit your insights
for us to gather a factual data. Rest assured that all information will be handled with
utmost confidentiality.

Thank you so much.

The Researchers

Part 1. Personal Profile

Name: ________________ (optional) Gender: ______ Age:

____

Marital Status: __________ Education Attainment: ____________ Sibling Rank: ______

Please rate the following indicators by checking the corresponding rating in the table
below.

4-Strongly Agree 3-Agree 2-Disagree 1-Strongly

Disagree

Indicators Rating
Part 2. Factors of Early Parenthood 4 3 2 1
A. Family
Have received constant parental guidance and supervision.
Have a positive family interaction.
Have a positive parent-child communication.
Others: Please Specify.

B. Peers
Encouraged by peers to involve in sexual activities.
Belief that most peers are sexually active.
Dating begins at an early age.
Having friends who are sexually active.
Others: Please Specify.
 41

C. Community/ Culture
Family with sexual and reproductive health information.
Lack of community coordinated programs for youth.
Lack of unimplemented social support, and positive educational
and recreational activities.
Others: Please Specify.

D. Personal/ Lifestyle
Lack of spiritual life.
Alcohol or drug use.
Seeks attention from others.
Limited education.
Lack of future-oriented goals.
Being rebellious/ disobedient.
Others: Please Specify.

Part 3. Impact/ Effect of Early Parenthood 4 3 2 1

A. Health
a) Parent
Had suffered from illness.
Had Suffered depression after giving birth.
Others: Please Specify.

b) Child
The child is not healthy since birth.
The child had ailments which require medical attention.
Others: Please Specify.

B. Education
a) Parent
Had drop-out of school.
Graduated from high school.
Graduated from college.
Others: Please Specify.

C. Financial
Have financial capacity to provide child’s everyday needs.
Received financial support from the father/mother of the child.
Have capacity to sustain medical and nutritional needs of the child.
Have capacity to send the child to school.
Have a job as of today.
Others: Please Specify.
 42

D. Social
Had lost contact with friends and others in their social groups.
Had difficulty in developing sense of self-identity.
Had been alienated from family and friends.
Others: Please Specify.

Part 4. What Suggestion/ Recommendation can you give to avoid teenage

parenthood?

____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________

-Thank You-
 43

Appendix E Summary Result of the Profile of Teenage Parents

The table below shows the summary result of the personal profile of

teenage parents.

Table 1. Profile of Teenage Parents

Personal Profile

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 4 13.33%
Female 26 86.67%
Age
15-19 9 03.00%
20-24 17 56.60%
25-29 2 06.70%
30-Above 2 06.70%
Sibling Rank
1-2 22 74.00%
3-4 4 13.00%
5-Above 4 13.00%
Educational
Attainment
2 06.67%
Elementary Graduate
16 53.33%
High School Graduate
7 23.33%
College Under Graduate
5 16.67%
College Graduate
Marital Status
Single 21 70.00%
Live-In 4 13.33%
Married 5 16.67%
Appendix F Summary of Factor Analysis Result
 44

The table below shows the summary results of the factors that cause

teenage parenthood.

Table 2. Summary Results of the Factors that Cause Teenage Parenthood

Factors of Early
Weighted Mean Description
Parenthood
A. Family
Have received constant
parental guidance and 3.43 Disagree
supervision.
Have a positive family
3.37 Disagree
interaction.
Have a positive parent-child
3.47 Disagree
communication.
B. Peers
Encouraged by peers to
1.73 Disagree
involve in sexual activities.
Belief that most peers are
1.6 Disagree
sexually active.
Dating begins at an early
2.27 Disagree
age.
Having friends who are
1.93 Disagree
sexually active.
C. Community/ Culture
Family with sexual and
reproductive health 2.37 Agree
information.
Lack of community
coordinated programs for 2.53 Agree
youth.
Lack of unimplemented
social support, and positive
2.67 Agree
educational and recreational
activities.
D. Personal/ Lifestyle
Lack of spiritual life. 2.2 Disagree
Alcohol or drug use. 1.8 Disagree
Seeks attention from others. 2.27 Disagree
Limited education. 2.03 Disagree
Lack of future-oriented
1.87 Disagree
goals.
Being rebellious/
1.73 Disagree
disobedient.
Appendix G Summary Impact of Analysis Result
 45

The table below shows the summary results of the impacts of Teenage

parenthood.

Table 3. Summary Results of the Impacts of Teenage Parenthood

Impact/ Effect of Early

Weighted Mean Description
Parenthood
A. Health
a) Paren
Had suffered from illness. 1.9 Disagree
Had Suffered depression
2.17 Disagree
after giving birth.
b) Child
The child is not healthy
1.4 Disagree
since birth.
The child had ailments
which require medical 1.67 Disagree
attention.
B. Education
a) Parent
Had drop-out of school. 2.07 Agree
Graduated from high school. 3.5 Agree
Graduated from college. 2.03 Agree
C. Financial
Have financial capacity to
provide child’s everyday 3.03 Agree
needs.
Received financial support
from the father/mother of 3.33 Agree
the child.
Have capacity to sustain
medical and nutritional 3.17 Agree
needs of the child.
Have capacity to send the
3.3 Agree
child to school.
Have a job as of today. 2.9 Agree
D. Social
Had lost contact with friends
and others in their social 2.13 Disagree
groups.
Had difficulty in developing Disagree
2.2
sense of self-identity.
Had been alienated from Disagree
1.77
family and friends.
 46

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address-ph-teen-pregnancy-woes-484624

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with First Child (Final Results from the 2013 National Demographic and Health
Survey), 2014-057, Thursday, August 28, 2014.
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https://www.scribd.com/doc/51595306/Teenage-Pregnancies-in-the-Philippines-
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 48

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL DATA

Name : MC CARLOS HUEARTAS MARCOS

Age : 18 years old

Civil Status : Single

Sex : Male

Date of Birth : October 22, 1999

Address : Barangay #39, Purok #4, Bonot, Legazpi City

Father : Jose Vicente Carlos Quisumbing Marcos

Mother : Maria Portia Huertas Marcos

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School

Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2016-2018

Junior High School

Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2012-2016

Elementary
Ibalon Central School
Orosite, Legazpi City
2006-2012
 49

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL DATA

Name : CRISPHER SO FUSTER

Age : 18 years old

Civil Status : Single

Sex : Male

Date of Birth : February 05, 2000

Address : Genablan Matnog Sorsogon

Father : Desiderio Cebu Fuster

Mother : Cynthia So Fuster

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School

Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2016-2018

Junior High School

Cabangan High School
Cabagñan, Legazpi City
2014-2016

DonQuintin Paredes High School

Project 2, Quezon City
2012-2014
Elementary
 50

Genablan Oriental Elementary School

Genablan Oriental Matnog Sorsogon
2006-2012
 51

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL DATA

Name : GABRIEL SAN JUAN ILAGAN

Age : 17 years old

Civil Status : Single

Sex : Male

Date of Birth : April 30, 2000

Address : Barangay #41, Purok #3, Bogtong, Legazpi City Albay

Father : Alex Juntilla Ilagan

Mother : Myrna San Juan Ilagan

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School

Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2016-2018

Junior High School

Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2012-2016

Elementary
Albay Central School
Fr Bates Street, Legazpi City, Albay
2009-2012
 52

Bicol College
Daraga, Albay
2007-2009

Bogtong Elementary School

Bogtong, Legazpi City
2006-2007
 53

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL DATA

Name : MARK ANGELO SERRANO LIM

Age : 17 years old

Civil Status : Single

Sex : Male

Date of Birth : May 20, 2000

Address : Barangay #49, Purok #3, Bigaa, Legazpi City

Father : Antonio Aspa Lim

Mother : Nemia Serrano Lim

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior High School

Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2016-2018

Junior High School

Pag-asa National High School
Rawis, Legazpi City
2012-2016

Elementary
Bigaa Elementary School
2006-2012