PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

THE IMPACT OF SEX EDUCATION IN TEENAGE PREGNANCY

 ABSTRACT
The incidence of teenage pregnancy has been on the rise in Ghana, especially in
the Bawku-East Municipality. In Ghana adults rarely discussed sexual matters with
the youth. Thus, the youth have little or no information about the biological
changes that take place in their bodies during the transitional period from youth
to adulthood. This has resulted in unplanned pregnancies for the vast majority of
teenagers, which have serious developmental and socioeconomic implications.
The study was to explore how sex education could mitigate teenage pregnancy in
the Bawku-East Municipality. A total sample size of one hundred and thirty-nine
(139) respondents was used for the study. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews,
focus group discussions and observation were used to collect data for the study.
The study revealed that poor parenting, poverty and peer influence were the
major causes of teenage pregnancy in the study area. In addition, concealing sex
education and sex-knowledge from the youth made them more curious and
vulnerable. There is the need for parents and schools to empower the youth
through sex education to equip them with knowledge in order to overcome the
potentially corrupt information through the social media and friends. The study
will be useful to students, parents, teachers and vulnerable group (girl-child)
advocates in communities.
INTRODUCTION:
In 2021, 13.3 million babies, or about 10 per cent of the total worldwide, were born to
mothers under 20 years old.[14] teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent
pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female adolescent under the age of 20. This includes
those who are legally considered adults in their country.
[2]
 The WHO defines adolescence as the period between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
[5]
 Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which can be
before the first menstrual period (menarche) but usually occurs after the onset of
periods.[6] In healthy, well-nourished girls, the first period usually takes place around the
age of 12.[7]
Pregnant teenagers face many of the same pregnancy related issues as other women.
There are additional concerns for those under the age of 15 as they are less likely to be
physically developed to sustain a healthy pregnancy or to give birth. [8] For girls aged 15–
19, risks are associated more with socioeconomic factors than with the biological effects
of age.[9] Risks of low birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-eclampsia are not
connected to biological age by the time a girl is 16, as they are not observed in births to
older teens after controlling for other risk factors, such as access to high-quality prenatal
care.[10][11]
Teenage pregnancies are related to social issues, including lower educational levels
and poverty.[3] Teenage pregnancy in developed countries is usually outside
of marriage and is often associated with a social stigma.[12] Teenage pregnancy in
developing countries often occurs within marriage and half are planned. [3] However, in
these societies, early pregnancy may combine with malnutrition and poor health care to
cause medical problems. When used in combination, educational interventions and
access to birth control can reduce unintended teenage pregnancies. [4][13]
In 2015, about 47 females per 1,000 had children well under the age of 20. [3] Rates are
higher in Africa and lower in Asia.[3] In the developing world about 2.5 million females
under the age of 16 and 16 million females 15 to 19 years old have children each year.
[3]
 Another 3.9 million have abortions.[3] It is more common in rural than urban areas.
[3]
 Worldwide, complications related to pregnancy are the most common cause of death
among females 15 to 19 years old.[3]