Perspectives of Grade 12 Students at Saint Francis of

Assisi College - Taguig Campus

on Birth Control

A Qualitative Research Proposal Presented

To Saint Francis of Assisi College Taguig Campus

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in Qualitative Research in Daily Life

By

Xyonne Rhein V. Alon

Ryle Vincent A. Antoniano
Edann Nicolo V. Barrameda
Mary Vanna B. Basquinas
Princezz Nicole M. Bathan
Izy D. Capalungan
Akiah Osiris E. Cruz
Glenn Harry M. Feo
Nathaniel Rovick N. Gallardo
Patricia Angela P. Mercado
Faye B. Rodriguez
Sabrina G. Sulit

2023 - 2024

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE ...…………………………………………………………………….I
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………...……………………………………..…...II

CHAPTER
I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS LITERATURE REVIEW

Background of the Study…..…..………..….….…….……….…III

Literature Review…………....…….……….……………………VI
Theoretical Framework…..….…….…..…..….…..…….….……XI
Conceptual Framework……..…………..…….…………..….…XII
Research Question….………...…….…….….………………….XIV
Limitation of the Study…..……...……..….……….……………XV
Definition of Terms…….……….…..…..….….……..……….…XVI

CHAPTER I

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Background of the Study

Birth control, also known as contraceptives, is a device that can be used to prevent
pregnancies. According to Malcolm Potts (2023), contraceptives encompass the wide range
of rational and irrational methods that have been used in the attempt to regulate fertility, as
well as the response of individuals and groups within society to the choices offered by such
methods. Pills, condoms, intrauterine devices, injectables, and implants are the common birth
control in the Philippines (Ferrer, 2021). Women have no choice but to be exposed to risky
procedures as a result of the fact that abortion is illegal in this country. “Under the law,
women found to have aborted their fetuses face prison terms of between two to six years.
Doctors and nurses caught performing abortions or providing assistance are also subject to
harsh punishment by the state” (Chen, 2022).

As the population in the Philippines rapidly grows, the poverty rate increases. As a
result, the government recommends using birth control to manage the population and lessen
poverty. In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed a law that was passed and upheld
by the Philippine Supreme Court. It is the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health
Act of 2012, or the "RH Law," which is a groundbreaking law that guarantees all citizens,
including those in impoverished areas, access to nearly all modern contraceptives for free at
government health centers and the law also mandates reproductive health education in public
schools, and acknowledges a woman's right to post-abortion care as a part of her right to
reproductive healthcare (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2014). The Catholic Church
strongly opposed the law. “The country’s household population in 2020 was 108.67 million
and nearly four-fifths or 85,645,362 persons (78.8%) reported Roman Catholicism as their
religious affiliation. It was followed by Islam with 6,981,710 persons (6.4%), and Iglesia ni
Cristo with 2,806,524 persons (2.6%) and other affiliations (12.2 %).” (Philippine Statistics
Authority, 2020). A law that was enacted last year in the predominantly Catholic Philippines
requires public health facilities to offer free contraception to the poor. But supporters say the

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law is necessary to curb the country’s soaring population growth, which many believe, is the
cause of the high poverty rate (Religion and Ethics, 2015). Amidst the pandemic that started
in 2019, unplanned and teenage pregnancy cases increased, making former President Rodrigo
Duterte declare Executive Order No. 141 signed on June 25, 2021. As stated in Section 1,
“The implementation of measures to address the root causes of the rising number of
adolescent pregnancies is as a result of this adopted as a National Priority.” (Official Gazette
of the Republic of the Philippines, 2021, pg. 2).

The curiosity of adolescents about sexual intercourse can lead them to participate
without proper protection. The proper use of birth control is by far the most effective way for
those having sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy (Unplanned Pregnancy, 2023).
Despite the beneficial role of birth control, it faces problems and issues: access, side effects,
and lack of knowledge. Contraceptive access is affected by racial and ethnic bias, cost, lack
of awareness, and religious beliefs (Todd and Sreenivas, 2022). Local health centers and
some hospitals give contraceptives free of charge in urban areas. Most provinces don't have
this implemented. They need to travel to the nearest city to get these contraceptives.
However, the City of Taguig provides free contraceptives that you can access at the local
health centers.

Side effects of using contraceptives are feared by many. They don't want to
experience those side effects, leaving them with a choice of simply not using it. For example,
taking contraceptives in the form of pills has side effects of acne, bleeding or spotting
between periods, bloating, blood pressure above your usual range, depression, fatigue, fluid
retention, increased appetite, insomnia, melasma (dark patches on the face), mood swings,
nausea, tenderness or pain in the breasts, vomiting, etc. (Gotter et al., 2018). Despite the
presence of contraceptives during intercourse it still results in unwanted pregnancies due to a
lack of education. For instance, using expired condoms can cause pregnancy, because an
expired condom has a big chance of breaking or tearing apart. Participating in sexual

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intercourse while inconsistently taking contraceptive pills can also lower the chance of
protection, leading to an unwanted pregnancy.

This study aims to: (1) Achieve the understanding of student perspectives; (2) To
explore and gain insights into the opinions and beliefs of SFAC students concerning birth
control. To assess the level of awareness among SFAC students about different birth control
methods and their usage. Additionally, to examine how SFAC students perceive the role of
birth control in addressing global population issues and its impact on the world population.
We are going to conduct qualitative research, implying that the study will focus on in-depth
surveys or open-ended questions to collect rich, descriptive data about student viewpoints.
Potentially, the study may provide insights that can be used to inform public policy and
educational programs related to birth control and population management. Furthermore, to
promote informed choices and to empower SFAC students with information and perspectives
that can aid them in making informed decisions regarding birth control methods and family
planning.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), teenage pregnancy rates

among Filipino women aged 15 to 19 decreased from 8.6% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022, as
reported by PSA’s 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). This study is
significant in shedding light on the aspects of young individuals, who are directly/indirectly
affected by this issue. Understanding their perspectives can inform policies and initiatives
aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies. The Philippines faces challenges related to rapid
population growth and education and practices can help in population management and
reducing poverty rates. It can provide insights into whether individuals are aware of their
rights and the choices available to them when it comes to family planning. It can guide the
development of sexual education programs, promote awareness campaigns, and shape
policies related to reproductive health.

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Literature Review

The Significance of Intaking Contraceptives

“The development of reproductive organs and maturation of the physical body causes
hormonal changes, sexual development, and curiosity that, when unguided, will lead to
problems, issues, hyper fixations, and other future concerns regarding reproductive health”
(Freud, 1918). The natural biological changes that occur during adolescence including the
growth and maturation of reproductive organs causes hormonal changes, which affects one's
physical and emotional well-being. Without proper guidance and education about sexual
development, which lead to healthier and more informed choices regarding reproductive
health, individuals may face problems and challenges like unwanted pregnancy, sexually
transmitted infections.

Understanding the complex effect of factors that influence adolescents' reproductive

health is vital, as well as the development of reproductive organs and maturation of the
physical body. In relation to this, it is enlightening to consider the findings of a study
published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2019).
This article discusses the factors that influence adolescents' use of birth control prior to and
after their first pregnancy.

The factors that affect not using any type of birth control in adolescents before the
first pregnancy are: (1) being a school dropout, (2) having an educational lag, (3) initiation of
sexual life before the age of 15, and (4) lack of guidance from parents regarding birth control.
After pregnancy, the factors of not using contraceptive methods were (1) educational lag, (2)
lower education level, and (3) the adolescent not using birth control before the pregnancy.

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 Meanwhile, the factors that contribute to a limited understanding of contraception
options are gender and religious beliefs, lack of awareness, cultural factors, judgment and
societal norms. Which has, in turn, hindered open discussions, limiting access to
contraceptives for many women. In addition, religions are characterized by joint belief
systems, there is no doubt in that fact. Clearly the concept of morality ties with evolution.
Life starts off by having to multiply, increase in numbers, and to survive. In order for life to
serve these standards, life would need to ensure the safety of fellow members in its group.

Though contraceptives, as seen by various different humanitarian minds, are ways for
people to disregard human creation and go against nature, it is deeply regarded as the abstract
nature of nature itself. The reason we do what we do right now is to progress and evolve
through the experiences we have today. We may not know every single reasoning behind why
people use contraceptives, however, there are reasons why. It could be beneficial for their
physical, emotional, and psychological well being.

Contraception enables women to make informed choices about their health, education,
and careers, thereby contributing to their economic and social empowerment. The connection
between empowerment and sexual well-being aligns with broader research indicating that
women's autonomy and control over their reproductive choices are crucial for their overall
health and well-being.

That being said, frequently, people have inaccurate knowledge about contraceptives
and how to use them leading to reluctance in using them. Reversible contraceptive methods
are typically categorized as hormonal (such as progestin-only pills or estrogen-progestin
patches) or non-hormonal (condoms, diaphragms) and long-acting (such as intrauterine
devices [IUDs]) or short-acting (such as pills), and it can also be grouped by the level of
effectiveness for pregnancy prevention (Teal and Edelman, 2021).

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The Advantages of Contraceptives

According to the Population Commission in the Philippines (2021), "Contraception

awareness has become a crucial element in raising people's general quality of life”.

The significance of providing comprehensive information on birth control is

emphasized by Healthy People 2030 (n.d.). This includes a focus on family planning and
effective methods, which aligns with reproductive health as a crucial aspect of public health
goals. Reproductive health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), goes
beyond simply being free from disease and involves overall physical, mental, and social
well-being. However, birth control often remains misunderstood and neglected, despite its
undeniable usefulness. This literature review aims to explore the various factors that
contribute to this issue.

Numerous studies have shown that knowledge and access to contraception options are
crucial for many elements of well-being. For instance, using contraceptives helps prevent
unwanted pregnancy, allowing individuals and couples to better plan their children. This
improves mother and child health while reducing the financial burden brought on by
unintended pregnancies. Family planning and contraception also enable women to pursue
educational and career opportunities while providing them more control over their
reproductive decisions.

Bedsider (2018) and Yen (2021) affirm that birth control has multiple benefits beyond
preventing pregnancy. It can be used to treat various ailments such as acne, regulate irregular
periods, and manage conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are
described as painful sacs filled with fluid that can have a debilitating impact (Yen, 2021).
Birth control, with its hormonal components, can alleviate the symptoms associated with
these health issues, highlighting its important role in healthcare.

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The Disadvantages of Birth Control

Compared to earlier oral contraceptives, which can lead to metabolic, endocrine, and
cardiovascular issues, low-dose oral contraceptives have fewer side effects. Low-dose oral
contraceptives are nevertheless associated with several dangers, including a higher risk of
thrombosis and hypertension. The estrogen component has been linked to depression,
migraines, weight gain, mastalgia, leucorrhea, and breast engorgement. With a 97–99%
success rate and no known teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity, Centchroman
provides an option. However, people with polycystic ovaries, TB, liver illness, renal failure,
or nursing moms should stay away from it. Oral combination contraceptives must be taken
consistently and at the same time each day to maintain their effectiveness (Shiva et al., 2022).

However, it's important to note that even low-dose oral contraceptives still carry
certain risks. For example, there is an increased risk of thromboembolism and hypertension
associated with their usage. Additionally, the estrogen component present in low-dose oral
contraceptives may lead to some discomforting side effects. These can include nausea,
vomiting, breast engorgement, weight gain, mastalgia, leucorrhea, migraines, and depression
(Shiva et al., 2022). It's crucial to consider these potential effects when deciding on the most
suitable contraceptive method.

In study Birth Control Shortage Will Hurt Teens by New Humanitarians (Santos,
2017), the negative effects of birth control scarcity in the Philippines, especially on teenagers
was explored. Health organizations in the Philippines are concerned about how this shortage
may impact youth in particular. There may be access issues for teenagers who need
contraception for family planning or to treat medical concerns. The lack of birth control
alternatives may raise the likelihood of teenage pregnancies that are not intended, which
could have negative social, economic, and health effects. The article underlines the

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requirement for advocacy and efforts to guarantee regular and dependable access to birth
control methods, particularly for vulnerable populations like teenagers.

Implementation of Sex Education

Sex education implementation is an important and sensitive task in the reason that it
varies greatly based on cultural, societal, and educational contexts.

The implementation of comprehensive sexuality education has multiple difficulties,

including a lack of proper materials and facilities in schools, as well as adequate training
among teachers (Philippine Institute and Development Studies, 2023).

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (2018) manuals contain several exercises that

may not be adaptable to other places and cultures because they are geared toward Western
contexts. The Sexuality Education Teacher's Manual 15 gave priority to tasks that didn't
require a lot of supplies. These research-based activities utilized resources which were easily
accessible and were meant to encourage independent thought (Goldman, 2010; UNESCO,
2018). Participants recommended adding PowerPoints, websites, and mnemonics to the
technologically integrated method to teaching CSE, nevertheless (Decker et al., 2022;
Goldman, 2010; van Lieshout et al., 2017). In terms of interactivity, engagement, and
accessibility, these proposals produced favorable results (Decker et al., 2022; UNESCO,
2020; van Lieshout et al., 2017). However, there were drawbacks to using technology in CSE,
including issues with battery life, internet connectivity, and data storage.

According to Jona Turalde, former vice chairperson of the SheDecides movement's

directing group, CSE modules do not teach pupils about contraception until they reach junior
high school, when they are old enough to grasp rational sex discussions. As a result,

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advocacy groups are pushing for an "age-appropriate" treatment of CSE, which means that
different age groups will have different points of discussion based on what each group needs.

However, sex education should be taught to children from an early age as it has the
following benefits: (1) Provide children with correct knowledge and enlightenment about
sexual issues so that they can understand the functioning of reproductive organs and how to
maintain and care for these organs. (2) Can prevent children from various cases of crime and
sexual risks about such sexual behavior (Haryono et al., 2018).

According to a study conducted by Rahmani and his co-researchers, the participants

in their study thought that knowing about sex is a significant way to learn. More than two
thirds of the participants thought that sex education may advance their awareness of sexual
and reproductive health and increase their level of knowledge. As they lose the self-control to
refuse the sexual acts, they were put at risk while engaging in it. The participants believed
that if they were taught about sexuality, they would be able to accept it as a natural
phenomenon. And how sex education might provide them the chance to think about their
sexual relationships before having sex, enabling them to choose wisely in this circumstance
(Rahmani et al, 2018).

Meanwhile, Handayani (2017) stated that “Communication is just a way of interacting

in symbiotic exchange.” In line with that, parents must be accountable for their children's sex
education. Establish open lines of contact with youngsters. Providing children with little
warnings is effective communication, as early protection can help them keep and care for
their body parts, particularly their private areas. This will also enhance the family’s
relationship as communication is essential for healthy family ties.

In addition, parents tend to avoid or shut questions about sex which leads to not
getting knowledge about sex education. Still, as stated by Haryano et al., (2018), children

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need to have enough knowledge about this kind of education and be provided with
knowledge regarding sex issues correctly, so that it can help the child to understand the
function of their sexuality and how to take care of their health. It helps to prevent children
from various cases of sexual crimes, and to have a healthy personality to accept themselves
positively and be able to protect themselves from people who have bad intentions.

Theoretical Framework

Figure 1. THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR (TPB)

What was the reason behind lack of knowledge about contraceptives? Considering the
social norms right now, what influences health risks and unintended pregnancy? To help birth
control, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Icek Ajzen was used in order to predict
human behavior.

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 According to the TPB, behavioral intention is influenced by attitude towards the
behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (National Institutes of Health
2020). Icek’s theory contains the following, the first form of the theory is Behavioral
Intention, which refers to the motivational characteristics that influence behaviors (Ajzen,
1991). The stronger the intention to engage in a particular behavior, the more likely that
behavior will be performed. The second form is Attitude Towards the Behavior, which is a
coverage of whether a person has a favorable or unfavorable judgment of an action. Attitude
is composed of behavioral beliefs and result judgments. The third concept is the Subjective
Norm, which is a social demand to perform or not perform a specific activity. Subjective
norm is defined as a combination of normative views and the drive to comply that constitutes
a subjective norm. Lastly, Perceived Behavioral Control, which refers to people's perceptions
of the ease or difficulty of accomplishing the activity of interest, also plays an important role
in the TPB.

Environment, beliefs, and societal norms have a big influence on people's knowledge
and attitudes about sexual health, contraception, and family planning. For instance, being in
an environment where you are surrounded by bad influences, rude people, indecent people.
These impact a person’s way of thinking, and add to the drive to comply with the social
norms. Then comes ignorance and believing in what a person wants to believe, affecting the
attitude and knowledge about sexual health, contraceptives, and family planning.

When individuals are aware of the contraceptive options, they are more likely to use
them effectively, which can reduce the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies, and health risks
such as STIs. And therefore, can lead to better overall health and may indirectly influence
birth rates by preventing infertility caused by certain infections.

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Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

Perspectives of Grade 12 Students at Saint Francis of Assisi
College - Taguig Campus

The conceptual framework described here is a well-structured approach to thoroughly

investigate important aspects related to Grade 12 students at Saint Francis of Assisi College -
Taguig Campus. It starts by conducting a crucial demographic profile analysis, which helps
establish a solid understanding of the characteristics of the student population. This analysis
sets the stage for exploring the students' perspectives on topics such as the relevance of
contraceptives for their generation, the advantages and disadvantages of different birth
control methods, and their attitudes towards introducing sex education in schools.

Each component within the framework has been carefully chosen because it directly
relates to the well-being and educational needs of the students. The demographic profile
analysis provides a baseline for understanding the context, while the subsequent segments
delve into topics that have significant implications for the students' health and education.

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Together, these components play a crucial role in shaping future educational and health
policies that align with the real needs and perceptions of the student community.

Moreover, the framework emphasizes a systematic and rigorous research process to

gather, analyze, and interpret the data. This approach ensures that the study is conducted in a
methodologically sound manner and that the findings are meaningful and reliable.
Essentially, this research conceptual framework serves as a structured guide to uncover the
voices and opinions of students on these important topics and provides a clear path to achieve
the overarching goals of the research.

Research Question

This study seeks to find evidence in the research study, “Perspective of grade 12
Students on Saint Francis of Assisi College - Taguig Campus Regarding Birth Control”

Specifically, it seeks to find answers to the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of

1.1 Age
1.2 Gender
1.3 Year Level

2. What are your thoughts on the significance of contraceptives for our

generations?

3. Birth control
3.1 Advantages
3.2 Disadvantages

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4. What do you think about introducing sex education in schools like Saint Francis of Assisi
College Taguig Campus?

Scope and Delimitations

The scope details what your study will explore, such as the target population, extent,
or study duration. Delimitations are factors and variables not included in the study.

The study is delimited only for the Grade 12 students in Saint Francis of Assisi
College Taguig Campus. This study explores insights into the opinions and beliefs of SFAC
students regarding birth control. The study also acknowledges the societal importance of
addressing issues related to high fertility rates in underdeveloped countries, which can hinder
economic growth and pose health risks, particularly to women and children. It could limit
chances for economic growth and raise health hazards for women and children. (This study
includes a section on sexual education, which is vital given it has favorable effects on
attitudes and behaviors linked to sexual and reproductive health and behavior in young
people.) The role of contraceptives is distinguished in managing reproductive health,
preventing unintended pregnancies, empowering individuals and couples to make informed
choices about family planning, and how birth control methods act as help in public health,
menstrual regulation, and overall well-being by enabling individuals to pursue education,
careers, and personal aspirations. Its advantages and disadvantages were also explored.
Additionally, this research aims to shed light on the TPB factors, such as attitudes, subjective
norms and perceived behavioral control, and its influences on decision-making and behaviors
regarding sexual health, relationships, and responsible conduct. The respondents will be
limited to Grade 12 in the Saint Francis of Assisi College Taguig Campus. This limitation is
imposed to maintain the clarity and focus of our investigation within this defined context.
The researcher will carry out surveys and interviews. Each respondent will be used to collect

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information and data. This survey will demonstrate the respondents views on birth control
methods and how it affects the world population.

Definition of Terms

Intercourse refers to heterosexual intercourse that involves penetration of the vagina by the
penis.

Educational lag refers to a situation where a child is behind in their education.

Sociodemographic refers to a combination of social and demographic factors that define

people in a specific group or population. These factors may include age, gender, ethnicity,
income, education, marital status, etc.

Socioeconomic level refers to the combined total measure of a person's work experience and
an individual's or family's economic access to resources and social position about others.

Nuclear family refers to a social unit composed of two parents and one or more children.

Urban area refers to the location of a community with a high population density and an
infrastructure-built environment.

Stigma is a negative social perception or judgment associated with a particular characteristic,

condition, or behavior, often resulting in discrimination and bias towards individuals or
groups with that characteristic, condition, or behavior.

Intrauterine device is a small contraceptive device placed in the uterus to prevent

pregnancy. It can be hormonal or non-hormonal and provides long-term contraception.

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Sexual education is an educational program or curriculum that provides information and
guidance on various aspects of human sexuality, including reproductive health, relationships,
and sexual behavior.

Sexually Transmitted Infections, also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are
infections that can be spread through sexual contact. They include a wide range of diseases,
such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, among others.

Contraception refers to the methods and techniques used to prevent pregnancy by

intentionally inhibiting or reducing the chances of fertilization, such as through the use of
birth control methods or devices.

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