CHAPTER

I. INTRODUCTION

Significance of the study

The significance of conducting a research study on the

understanding of the causes of teenage pregnancy can be

summarized into the following:

1. Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy: Understanding the

causes of teenage pregnancy would help in identifying the

factors that contribute to early pregnancies and teen

parenthood. This knowledge can be used to develop

evidence-based interventions that prevent teenage

pregnancy, such as providing access to family planning and

sex education.

2. Improved Health Outcomes: Teenage pregnancy is

associated with higher rates of maternal and infant

morbidity and mortality. Identifying the risk factors

associated with early pregnancies can help in developing

targeted interventions to reduce these adverse outcomes.

3. Reduction of Social Disparities: Teenage pregnancy

often affects disadvantaged and vulnerable populations,

perpetuating social and economic inequalities.

Understanding the causes of teenage pregnancy can help in

identifying these disparities, and developing programs that

address the underlying social determinants of health.

4. Promotion of Inclusive Policies: A better understanding

of the causes of teenage pregnancy can help in developing

policies that are inclusive and recognize the complexities of

young people's lives. This can promote better health

outcomes, economic opportunities, and social inclusion for

young people and their families.

Overall, understanding the causes of teenage pregnancy is

critical for promoting better health and social outcomes for

young people. By identifying the key drivers of early

pregnancies and parenthood, we can develop targeted

interventions that prevent teenage pregnancy, reduce social

disparities, improve health outcomes, and promote

inclusive policies.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The scope of the study is to understand the underlying

factors contributing to the high rate of teenage pregnancy

and parenthood, particularly among ages ranging from 13

to 19 years old. The study will analyze the social,

economic, psychological, cultural, and educational factors

that increase the likelihood of teenage pregnancies.

To achieve the study's purpose, qualitative and quantitative

research methods will be used, including interviews,

surveys, and focus group discussions, both from teenagers'

perspectives and stakeholders' perspectives, including

parents, healthcare providers, educators, religious leaders,

and community representatives.

The delimitations of this study are as follows:

1. Limited Geographical Coverage: This research study will

be focused on a particular geographic location and culture

with unique socioeconomic factors, which may not be

generalized to other settings, cultures, or communities.

2. Sample Size Limitation: The study will utilize a

purposive sample of participants, which may not be

representative of the entire population of teenagers and

stakeholders within the geographic area.

3. Recall Bias: Considering that the research involves

interviewing teenagers from their memory of past events,

some respondents might experience recall bias, making

their answers less accurate.

4. Social Desirability Bias: The study may contain social

desirability bias among the participants, where respondents

may understate or exaggerate their opinions, actions, or

 attitudes to conform to socially accepted standards. In

summary, the study aims to identify and understand the

underlying causes of teenage pregnancy and parenthood

among adolescents.

The study, however, has limitations regarding the

geographic coverage, sample size, recall bias, and social

desirability bias. Regardless of these limitations, the study's

findings will provide significant insights for policymakers,

healthcare practitioners, educators, and community leaders

helpful in implementing comprehensive programs and

policies that help in reducing the rate of teenage

pregnancies and enhancing the welfare of adolescent health

and socio-economic well-being.

Definition of Terms

1. Teenage pregnancy: It refers to the condition of a female

adolescent becoming pregnant before the age of 20.

2. Sexual education: It is a process of providing knowledge

and resources regarding sexual and reproductive health to

young people, to help them make healthy and informed

decisions about their sexuality.

3. Contraception: It is the use of different methods or devices

to prevent pregnancy, including various forms of birth

 control pills, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and

others.

4. Abstinence: It is a decision to refrain from sexual activity,

either temporarily or permanently, to prevent unwanted

pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

5. Peer pressure: It is the influence that peers (friends,

classmates, or social group members) can exert on an

individual's attitudes, behaviors, and choices, which may

lead to engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

6. Socioeconomic status: It refers to an individual or family's

economic and social position in society, which may

influence their health behaviors, access to resources, and

opportunities.

7. Parenting skills: These are the abilities and knowledge

required to raise and educate children, including

communication, discipline, decision-making, and emotional

support.

8. Cultural norms: These are the shared values, beliefs, and

behaviors within a given society or community, which may

impact the attitudes and practices related to sexuality and

pregnancy.

9. Mental health: It refers to a person's emotional,

psychological, and social well-being, which may be

affected by various factors such as stress, trauma,

depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.

CHAPTER

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND

STUDIES

Demographic and Social Factors: A study by Kirchengast and

Hartmann (2010) found that a number of demographic and social

factors contribute to teenage pregnancy. These factors include

early sexual activity, low educational attainment, low income,

and poor family relationships.

Lack of Sexual Education: The lack of comprehensive sexual

education in schools is identified as a significant contributor to

teenage pregnancy rates. According to a report by the

Guttmacher Institute (2018), only 24 states in the US require sex

education, and only 13 require that the education be medically

accurate.

Peer Pressure and Influence: Friends and peers can exert a strong

influence on teenagers, and this can lead to sexual

experimentation and ultimately pregnancy. A study by Bearman

and Brückner (2002) found that who had friends who engaged in

sexual activity were more likely to become sexually active

themselves.
Family Dynamics: Family dynamics can also have an impact on

teenage pregnancy rates. Studies have shown that teenagers who

have positive family relationships and good communication with

their parents are less likely to engage in sexual activity and

become pregnant (Azjen & Fishbein, 2005).

Access to Reproductive Healthcare: Access to reproductive

healthcare, including contraception and abortion, is also a

significant factor in preventing teenage pregnancy. A study by

Kost and Henshaw (2012) found that teenagers who had access

to affordable contraception had lower rates of unintended

pregnancy and were more likely to delay parenthood.

Overall, these studies suggest that teenage pregnancy is a

complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and addressing

it will require a multifaceted approach that includes

comprehensive sex education, access to reproductive healthcare,

and support for families and communities.

CHAPTER

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Objective:

The objective of this research is to understand the causes of

teenage pregnancy and identify the various factors

contributing to it.

Research Design:
The study will use a descriptive research design. The

research design will involve gathering data from primary

and secondary sources to understand the causes of teenage

pregnancy. The research will also examine the possible

ways to prevent teenage pregnancy.

Data Collection Methods:

The research will use both primary and secondary data

collection methods. Primary data collection methods will

include surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions

with teenagers who have experienced or are currently

experiencing teenage pregnancy. Secondary data collection

methods will include analyzing existing literature, research

studies, and government reports on the causes of teenage

pregnancy.

Sample Size:

The study will target adolescents aged 13-19 who have

experienced or are currently experiencing teenage

pregnancy. The sample size will be determined through

purposive sampling, which will enable the selection of the

most relevant participants for the study.

Data Analysis:
Analysis of data will involve both qualitative and

quantitative techniques. Qualitative data from interviews

and focus group discussions will be analyzed through

thematic analysis. The quantitative data from surveys will

be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Ethical Considerations:

The research will be conducted with informed consent from

participants and ensure their anonymity and confidentiality.

The study will also prioritize participants' safety and well-

being. The research will comply with institutional and

national ethical guidelines for research.

Conclusion:

The study aims to provide insights into the causes of

teenage pregnancy and identify possible solutions to

prevent it. The study is of importance to policymakers,

educators, health practitioners, and parents, among others,

who are responsible for the well-being of adolescents. The

results of the study are expected to provide evidence-based

information that can help reduce teenage pregnancy rates.