The Effects of Lack of Sex Education to the Teenagers

A Thesis

Presented to

The Faculty of AMA Computer Learning Center

Manila City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the requirements for the Subject

Practical Research 2

Senior High School

Humanities and Social Sciences Strand

Submitted by:

Alcantara, Jhonna G.

Caranto, Carmela Jonnee T.

Castillon, Edzel D.

Dejapin, Danica Rose P.

Dela Salde, Analy C.

Lucapa, Jessica P.

Mendoza, Aiza M.

Ramos, Angelica J.

Turqueza, Ma. Rolaine S.

 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

. This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the

problem, significance of the study and the scope and delimitation of the study.

Background of the Study

Teenage pregnancy is a global issue that must be addressed to mitigate

the challenges associated with female teenage childbirth, particularly in third

world countries. One of the most pressing challenges confronting today's Filipino

youth is Pregnancy in adolescence. According to the Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA). More than 53 million people live in poverty. 25 years old, with

10.3 million teenage girls (10-19 years old). Countries having a "demographic

window of opportunity" with high concentrations of young people in countries

such as the Philippines could accelerate If smart investments are made,

development will occur. This is a well-known phenomenon such as

the"demographic dividend" of the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan. The

study focuses on the lack of sex education to the adolescent because it is

essential to prevent and combat sexual abuse against adolescent, sexual

violence, and sexual exploitation. Every year, nearly 16 million females aged 15

to 19 and 2.5 million girls under the age of 16 give birth in underdeveloped

nations. In most cases, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the

2
leading cause of mortality. Moreover, Every year, over 3.9 million girls between

the ages of 15 and 19 have unsafe abortions that take their lives. Adolescent

mothers (aged 10-19 years) had a greater risk of eclampsia, endometritis during

puerperium, and asystemic infection than mothers aged 20 and up. This

increased risk also has an influence on teenage fatalities (WHO, 2018). The

social analysts and academics identified some of the reasons why pregnancies

among teens have been growing despite efforts by government health agencies

and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The explanations range from socioeconomic position to a lack of

knowledge (Eloundou-Enyegue, 2004). The sex education will cover the following

topics: The male and female reproductive systems, cleanliness, and pre-marital

sex were all included in the instruction curriculum. Sexually transmitted illnesses

and adolescent pregnancy. The study has claimed that it is not designed to

encourage promiscuity, but rather an intelligent science-based education that

relates to several scientific classes. Moreover, that formal education is important

for adolescent’s development because it prepares them for the world of work and

life: education is essential for postponing marriage and resolving the poverty, low

status, and social norms that drive the marriage timing choice (Panday,

Makiwane, Ranchod, &Letsoalo, 2009). With that, Adolescent require and have

the right to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information. There is

increasing worldwide agreement and evidence that this information should be

age- and developmentally appropriate, as well as scientifically correct. The

PopCom has taken on the task of lowering the rate of adolescent pregnancy in

3
Metro Manila. Adolescent sexuality and reproductive health values are the

subject of a significant information and education effort. To attain this goal, the

PopCom organized a series of lectures or activities for distribution to various

secondary schools (Regional DepEd Memorandum No. 176 s. 2016). However,

as the number of cases mounted, these attempts were insufficient, and many of

the young moms were experiencing, or were at risk of experiencing, bullying,

stigma, and rejection at school and in the community.

In an analyzing the qualitative interview in determining the

comprehensive, school-based sex education that promoted refusal skills was an

independent protective factor in preventing sexual assault, and the authors

further hypothesize that "pre-college comprehensive sexuality education,

including skills-based training in refusing unwanted sex, may be an effective

strategy for preventing sexual assault in college." Taken together, it's simple to

see why 89% of likely voters say sex education is essential in middle school and

98% believe sex education is necessary in high school. It is also an ideal setting

for increasing awareness of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights,

such as access to modern contraception and safe abortion. According to

research conducted in the European area under the auspices of the World Health

Organization (WHO), the adolescent birth rate is substantially higher in countries

such as Bulgaria and Georgia that lack required comprehensive sexuality

education programs. Early pregnancy is not only potentially harmful to the health

of adolescent females, but it also severely limits their educational options. The

Philippines is one of the Asian countries that continues to stress eastern

4
traditions in several aspects, one of which being sexual concerns. Because these

studies are still considered taboo by most Filipinos, adults are reluctant to

discuss them with teenagers. Taking all of this into account, the aim of this study

is to investigate and get access to teenagers' perspectives on sex education.

Additionally, the abstinence-oriented models of sex education have been

evaluated in this population.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effects of lack of sex education to

teenagers on different barangays in Metro Manila.

More specifically, it sought answers to the following questions;

1. What’s the demographic profile of the student-respondents in terms of

their:

a. ages 12-15

b. location

c. education background

2. How can parents guide their children in understanding the importance of

sex education?

3. How widely teenagers know about sex education?

4. Do teenagers perceived studying sex education?

5
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The goal of this study was to understand how early sexual activity among

teenagers affected their lack of sex education.

This study will concentrate on the consequences of teenagers' inadequate

education. Contrary to popular belief, sex education material covers a much

wider range of subjects. Understanding sexual relationships is only a small

portion of it. It extends past the fetal. preventing disease or using birth control.

Despite the fact that the removal of sex education from a social, emotional, and

personal context is another significant change. Context is necessary if that is the

only information given.

Significance of the Study

Teenagers. The findings of this study will benefit youths by providing them with

knowledge to help guide in making decisions about sex and intimate

relationships. The direct target of this research are the young ones like me. It will

benefits the teenagers as many of the impacts I mentioned can be prevented

when they are taught sex education. Adolescent pregnancies will reduce, which

also will improve your life, the same of your family, and your hopes for the future.

You may also be grateful since the education helped you and you lived a fulfilling

life.

6
Parents. They will use this study to prevent their family from suffering, just like

most Filipinos, their lives are already difficult and become even more difficult

when their children will have their own kids, they will also need to guide their

children in taking care of her child because she has no idea how to raise one.

They will prevent this kind of situation once they learn this study.

Teachers. This study will provide information to the teachers. Especially to the

science teachers. They will have more knowledge about this study so they can

teach their students and future students the importance of this topic.

Future researchers. This study will be very beneficial to the upcoming

researchers since it will provide them the knowledge they need to teach it to their

future children and to other youth if no one else in their field is doing so.

CHAPTER 2

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies,

conceptual model of the study, research hypothesis, and definition of terms used

in the study.

7
Review of Related Literature

An international organization, Advocates for Youths, define sex education

as, the provision of information about bodily development, sex, sexuality, and

relationships, along with skills-building to help young people communicate about

and make informed decisions regarding sex and their sexual health (Sexuality

Education, 2018).

Most of our knowledge about sex education is coming from friends, family

and peers. But most of us are uncomfortable to have discourse with regards to

sex. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) rural teenage

girls are at a higher risk of getting pregnant than their urban counterparts and this

is attributed to the fact that rural teenage girls only have primary-level education,

while girls in urban areas are better educated (Maemeko, Ngkebeza, and

Chokomozi, 2018). Within the study, the academic factor was not only the

concern teenagers are facing, some girls are ashamed and others are shy to

know and access contraceptives and there is lack of education in avoiding

pregnancy.

In response to the growing number of teenage pregnancy and lack of sex

education the Philippines passed a law in 2012. This is due to the rising number

of teenage pregnancy and many health issues such as HIV/AIDS cases,

pregnancy-related deaths and infant mortality in the Philippines, a law called the

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Nichols, 2020).

8
They have found out whilst passing this law that teen pregnancies are common

in the country and lack of knowledge about sex education significantly associated

with poverty and cause over population.

In the Philippines, sex education has been the topic of discussion. In 2021,

the Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out a Comprehensive Sexuality

Education (CSE) K to 12 Curriculum Guide starting with Regions 1, 7, and 11 —

regions with the supposed highest rate of teen pregnancy. Accompanying the

curriculum are DepEd teacher training on CSE (Joven, 2021).

According, to an interview from the Jerrilyn Lewis, the acting chief of City

Health Office of population division, they have intensified educational campaigns,

community classes, and tackled reasons for pregnancy specifically the lack of

information about sex health (Pelicte, 2022). Given that there was an

implementation of Comprehensive Sex Education in specific regions of the

Philippines. “Davao City was among the top five with the high number of teen

pregnancy cases in the country…” (Palicte, 2022).

In comparison to the Philippines, a quasi-experimental study on

comprehensive sex education reduced teen births by Mark N and Wu L. (2022);

they have reported that the United States is one of the highest in numbers of

teen births. With this they have found out in observing the programs by the

federal government is that comprehensive sex education is associated with lower

pregnancy risks, a later age at first sex, and an increased probability of

contraceptive use and other programs have mixed findings ( Mark, N & Wu L.,

9
2022). Overall, they have found that, although there are mixed results, it led to

the reduction of teen births.

As for report of the World Health Organization, in 2017 over 2 million

teens are living with HIV around the world and a third of all new infections occur

among youths ages 15-25 and the teenage pregnancy grows in many country

and cause worries that concludes that sexuality education programs are

inadequate and/or ineffective (Leung et al, 2019)

From an article in the commoner medium, written by Andrei Santos (2021)

it was indicated adolescents and unintended pregnancies were the most urgent

problem in the Philippines. As per the record of the Philippine Statistic Authority

in 2019 births among girls fifteen and below increased by 7 percent compared to

2018. To elaborate on this increase, 2,411 young adolescents between the ages

of 10 to 14 gave birth. It was reported that this is thrice the number of increase

from the year two thousand; which indicated that, there were only 755 from the

same aged group who have given birth. In contrast, as an overall numerical

evaluation, in the fiscal year of 2019, there was a great increase to 62,510 in

comparison to 62,341 from 2018. (POPCOM, 2020)

Given all the efforts in implementing the Comprehensive Sex Educations,

UNESCO (2022), indicated that about 34 percent of youngsters are able to

articulate and knowledgeable about HIV prevention and transmission. They also

indicated that 2 out of 3 young girls in a number of countries are unable to know

what is going on when they experience menstruation (UNESCO, 2022). Hence,

10
there is still a need to reinforce the effort of Comprehensive Sex Education.

Review of Related Studies

The stigma that society implies to sexual education is a social issue that

continues to bring forth related problems arising from the lack of sexual

education in the Filipino educational system curriculum. In light of this, the

proponents review various related literature existing within the body of knowledge

that concerns this study's focal point. A study by Sherpa, T. (2021) explored the

factors affecting teenage pregnancy in the Philippines. The study examines

Filipinos' actual experiences as a priority for pregnant teens. This

phenomenological study revealed that lack of knowledge about sex education

and family planning had been a factor in why teenage pregnancy has been

rampant in the Philippines. The researchers have also suggested that Philippine

education may investigate mainstreaming sex education in the country to lessen

the possibilities of early teenage pregnancy.

To support the previously mentioned study, Mangaoil et al. (2021) focused

on determining the factors that affect teenage pregnancy in the Barangay of

Echague Isabela, Philippines. The study aims to pinpoint the various

environmental elements influencing teenage pregnancy in a few barangays in

Echague Isabela. Using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, a

descriptive-correlational study of chosen youths in barangays X, Y, and Z of

Echague Isabela were carried out. Four contributing elements are listed in the

11
questionnaire, using a Likert scale: economic, familial, peer pressure, and

educational. The research proponents used both in-person interviews and online

platforms to collect data. The result of the study indicated that a lack of sex

education and reproductive health is one of the main reasons why teenage

pregnancy is rampant in the barangay. The study's findings show no correlation

between the risk factors for teen pregnancy and the women's profile age and

level of education.

Moreover, a study conducted by Odhiambo (2018), within the context of

Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, investigates the psychological effects of teen

pregnancy and the underlying causes of teen sexual behavior that results in

pregnancy. Nine participants—three teen moms, three friends, and three parents

—were interviewed using the qualitative case study technique. Thematic analysis

by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana was used to transcribe the data and analyze it.

Three major themes emerged: personal reasons (curiosity and inadequate sex

knowledge in the Philippine education, uncontrolled emotions, and retaliation),

sociocultural factors (peer influence, lack of parental guidance, culture, and

transactional sex), and psychological repercussions (emotional reactions, fear,

and low self-esteem). Overall, these factors arose from the scrutiny, revealing

that a lack of proper sexual education can lead to numerous situations which

mostly have negative implications.

In the context of improper sexual education, Lucea et al. (2018) focused

on the context of condom use among adults in the Philippines. To gain a better

knowledge of the background surrounding this subject of HIV prevention in

12
Filipino society, the researchers scrutinized existing beliefs and restrictions

surrounding condom use among young adults in the Philippines. They identified

three overarching themes from the thematic analysis of focus group data, all of

which contain societal and personal impediments to condom use. The results

might offer guidance for situations where religion significantly impacts society.

Further, it is shown that lack of sex education has been a factor in which some

adults do not know the importance of condoms. The researchers propose that

developing techniques to deal with these limits and supporting healthy sexuality

in young adults is crucial to bolster HIV prevention efforts in such contexts.

Proper use of condoms during sexual intercourse is highly relevant for countless

reasons. The study shows how the lack of sexual education is relative to young

adults’ little awareness of the importance of condoms.

Lastly, research was done by Cabrera and Quesea (2020), in which they

performed a comparative-causal and correlational study with a focus on young

moms in a municipality on an island in Quezon Province, Philippines. The study

distinctly identified the profile of pregnancies among the 134 responders. It also

determined parent-children interactions, relationships, and other related

situations that may have contributed to their teenage years' maternity. Utilizing

the modified form of the Scale for Parent-Child Relationships (PCRSS) revealed

the respondents' good levels of interaction with parents regarding doing things

together, dialogue, focus, assistance, and recognizing the actions, emotions,

love, and respect with a moderate amount of disagreement. Their study revealed

that most teenage pregnant women have no sexual education background.

13
Further, the parents and teenagers have no communication regarding sex, and

the topic of sex is prohibited inside their houses. The researchers recommended

creating local policies and initiatives that local authorities could use to teen

pregnancy at the municipal and school levels and promote closer family ties

workshops for family development to prevent conflicts and the potential for an

early pregnancy for teenagers.

The researches conducted by credible proponents are strong proof of the

dire need for proper sexual education in the Philippines. The analyzed literature

is sourced and available online, cited by numerous other studies and referenced

because of its credibility. Although young adults are becoming more educated

and liberated when it comes to topics previously deemed taboo, many of the

older generations remain reluctant to the idea. Nevertheless, the intrinsic

importance can be observed by the structured and objective-based studies

conducted, all revealing the consequences of the lack of sexual education.

Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

Teenagers is a stage in the life cycle of a human being Adolescent

pregnancy is defined as females between the ages of 13-15 who engage in

sexual activity and become pregnant either intentionally or unintentionally. Many

times these teens are regarded as selfish immoral by the general population

regardless of the teens intention of getting pregnant which is most vulnerable to

the influences of socializing sexual education should be taught in schools over

abstinence focused sex education. Adolescence is the last stage before maturity

14
it is highly stressed that premarital sex will lead to social, physical, and

psychological consequences some parents are concerned that the sex education

program will go against their personal religions or conservative values. In many

religions, sex is frowned upon until marriage. Even though abstinence only

education is beneficial in a few cases, comprehensive sexual education should

be taught because it could answer many questions the student may have about

their changing bodies and state of mind.

INPUT PROCESS EXPECTED OUTPUT

In 1940, the U.S. Public Sex education has a

· Teenagers
Health Service strongly great impact to our

· Parents advocated sexuality socities because of

education in the schools, improving knowledge

· School
labeling it an “urgent their attitudes sex

need.” In 1953, the education.

American School Health

Association launched a

nationwide program in

family life education.

15
 FEEDBACK

Hypothesis of the Study

Null Hypothesis

The sex education program established in Department of Education covered the

following: the students study human reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases,

AIDS, pregnancy, abortion, contraception and the social aspects and risks of

sexual intercourse and pregnancy in teenagers

Null hypothesis:

there is no lacking of sex education in our country to teenagers.

Alternative hypothesis:

There is a lack of sex education in our country to teenagers.

Assumptions of the Study

The study focused on the effect of a lack of sex education among

teenagers. The following assumptions were made:

16
 1. The researchers assumed that this study would be useful to future

researchers.

2. The researchers assumed that respondents would be reliable information

sources leading to a thriving research study.

3. The researchers assumed that respondents would be truthful in their

responses and make some suggestions.

4. The researchers assumed that studying sex education is essential, especially

among teenagers.

5. The researchers would be able to thoroughly explain the study's purpose to

the respondents.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are theoretically defined for better understanding of

the present research study.

Sex Education. In this study, Sex Education is being use in teenagers to have

knowledge in sex and what can be the effects of having sex in such an early age.

Teenagers. In this study, teenagers are the target respondents of the

researchers because in these ages they are the ones whose expose in early

sexual activity.

17
 Teenage Pregnancy. In this study, teenage pregnancy is the effect of lack of sex

education in young age.

Contraception. Contraception’s has different types there are birth control pills,

condoms, implant or injection preventing pregnancy and some are protecting us

from (STI) sexually transmissible infections.

Fetal Development. Fetal Development is the development of embryo following

fertilization and the next stage after this is full development of the many human

organs.

Adolescent Sexuality. Is the stage where you experience and exploring sexual

feelings such as romantic intimacy, love and affection for opposite sex or same

sex it occurring during puberty

References:

Banerjee, D., & Rao, T. S. (2022, May 16). Comprehensive Sex Education—Why

Should We Care?. SAGE Journals.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/26318318221092076

Bridges, E., & Hauser, D. (2014, August 04). Sexuality Education. Advocates for Youth.

https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/resources/fact-sheets/sexuality-education-2/

Joven, J. (2021, November 5). Do we actually have sex ed in Philippine schools?. CNN

Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/Education/2021/11/5/sex-

education-philippine-schools.html

18
Leung , H., Shek, D. T., Leung, E., & Shek, E. Y. (2019, February 20). Development of

Contextually-relevant Sexuality Education: Lessons from a Comprehensive

Review of Adolescent Sexuality Education Across Cultures. MDPI.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/4/621

Maemeko, E. L., Nkengbeza, D., & Chokomosi, T. M. (2018, September). The Impact of

Teenage Pregnancy on Academic Performance of Grade 7 Learners at a School

in the Zambezi Region. Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP).

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=87117

Mark, N. D., & Wu, L. L. (2022, February 14). More comprehensive sex education

reduced teen births: Quasi-experimental evidence. PNAS.

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2113144119

Nichols, Z. (2020, December 15). SEX EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES. The Borgen

Project. https://borgenproject.org/sex-education-in-the-philippines/

Palicte, C. (2022, June 1). Davao City ranks 5th in teen pregnancy cases. Philippine

News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175633

Santos, A. (2021, May 22). Will Improved Sex Education in the PH Help Solve Rise in

Teenage Pregnancies?.  Medium. https://mediacommoner.medium.com/will-

improved-sex-education-in-the-ph-help-solve-rise-in-teenage-pregnancies-

28613174685f#:~:text=Comprehensive%20sex%20education%20programs

%20have,STDs)%2C%20and%20teenage%20pregnancy.

19
POPCOM calls for prevention, social protection measures as more Filipino minors get

pregnant. (2021, February 15). POPCOM. https://rpo12.popcom.gov.ph/popcom-

calls-for-prevention-social-protection-measures-as-more-filipino-minors-get-

pregnant/

Cabrera, G. A., & Quesea, E. Q. (2020, October 4). Pregnancy Profile, Relationship

with. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences.

http://apjeas.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/APJEAS-2020.7.4.14.pdf

Lucea, M. B., Hindin, M. J., Gultiano, S., Kub, J., & Rose, L. (2013, February 08). The

Context of Condom Use Among Young Adults in the Philippines: Implications for

HIV Prevention. Taylor & Francis Online.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07399332.2012.721414

Mangaoil, R. C., Cacayan, E. B., Alvarado, A. E., Ramos, P. R., Samut, J. A., Rivera, T.

E., et al. (2021). FACTORS AFFECTING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AT

SELECTED BARANGAY OF ECHAGUE ISABELA PHILIPPINES. Humanistic

Network for Science and Technology.

https://www.heanoti.com/index.php/hn/article/view/hn50701

Odhiambo, J. N. (2018, October 29). Exploring the Causes and Psychological

Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. Abstract Proceedings International Scholars

Conference. https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/isc/article/view/1153

Sherpa, T. (2021, April 26). 210— Factors Affecting Teenage Pregnancy in the

Philippines. Knight Scholar. https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-

symposium/great-day-2021/posters-2021/112/

20
Comprehensive sexuality education protects children and helps build a safer, inclusive

society. (2020, July 21). Council of Europe. 

https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-

protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society?

fbclid=IwAR3budH7gcQqORp9hxkMNzBU_7Qkcsm443WOoQotL7X3voPCR4-

u0AoQhx0#:~:text=The%20benefits%20of%20sexuality%20education,sexual

%20violence%20and%20sexual%20exploitation

Melgar, J. L., Melgar, A. R., Festin, M. R., Hoopes , A. J., & Chandra-Mouli , V. (2018,

December 12). Assessment of country policies affecting reproductive health for

adolescents in the Philippines. BMC Part of Springer Nature. https://reproductive-

health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-018-0638-9

Why comprehensive sexuality education is important. (2022, April 21). UNESCO.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/why-comprehensive-sexuality-education-

important

21
22