The Factors Influencing Teenage Girls Pregnancy in Secondary Schools - A Research Proposal Paper

The Factors Influencing Girls Pregnancy in Secondary Schools

 

Introduction

Pregnancy has been the common problems among the teenagers. The issues of early parenting definitely affect the individual’s capacity to perform well in the society and can carve an impact on his/her whole being. The incidence of pregnancy among the teenage girls in secondary schools in Tanzania is considered a serious societal problem, not only in the Third World Countries but the nations across the globe. The continuous growth of early pregnancy is traced due the various influences coming from the sexual representations of television programs, economic and social issues, and the lack of openness in health and parenting information. There are various consequences in the early pregnancy of teenagers, they usually fail to finish their school and rely on public assistance. Clinicians also concluded that the children of teen mothers have a great potential to experience the health risks and complications (NLRC, 2005).

Background of the Study

Significantly, the action of the government and other social workers appeared to be effective for the past years, with the aim to reduce the rate to teenage pregnancy and early parenting. However, because of the unexplained teenage pregnancy, the health organizations discovered the intervention that became popular among the young adults. There is a significant rose of abortion rates of unexpected childbirth among the teenagers. The changes in the rate of pregnancy suggested that the popularity of abortion is the option of the teenagers in escaping the dilemma of early parenting. The actions of teenagers in their pregnancy and making decisions are found in their social status and behaviors. The status of the teenager in the society is a factor that creates a high possibility in early pregnancy. A typical or normal teenager is aware of the use of contraceptive during the sexual intercourse. This explains the responsible behavior that might affect the increase or decrease of teen pregnancy.

Statement of the Problem

There have been numerous means of approach and projects to address the growing issue of teenage pregnancy in secondary schools. Some of projects’ efficacy has not been fully successful due to some problems in some aspects, quantity and quality speaking. Thus, the researcher would like to propose a qualitative and quantitative study design for a research project towards teenage pregnancy awareness and prevention among secondary school students. Specifically, this study will attempt to answer the following queries:

1.      In what way will the combination design affect the proposed research project?

2.      What will be the challenges and values that will encompass the whole study?

3.      How will this proposal be beneficial to the subject of the study, the pregnant secondary schoolers?

4.      Will there be developments or changes that will be identified by employing such study design?

Significance of the Study

This study will be a significant endeavor in finding out the efficacy of using qualitative and quantitative study design in a project such as sex education programs. The problem on the teenage pregnancy is continuously affecting the people that the development of prevention programs should be continuous as well. People evolve and approaches should be varied as well. In terms of awareness, this study will benefit students and families. This study will also be useful in the formation of future education programs and prevention campaign. Overall, this study will be significant in the promotion of awareness, formation of better education programs and by being part of the fight against the problem in teenage pregnancy.

Methodology

The experimental target for this study will be three middle schools in Tanzania involving 50 secondary student participants on each target schools. An initial interview of the students will be done in order to assess their sexual behavior and attitudes.

This study will make use of education sessions which will be regarding the effect of teenage pregnancy. Brochures and pamphlets will be given to the students during the classes to facilitate discussion. Group activities will be provided to entail active participation of the students. Circle-group discussion will also be done for students to open up their ideas, experiences, insights, hesitations or queries regarding pregnancy.

The study, which will last for 3 months, will be weekly evaluated through a one on one interview with the students regarding their newly acquired learning on the subject. The interview will also be a way for students to open up their questions and for them to be properly and immediately advised.

Two months after the program has ended; the students will then be contacted again, this time for their assessment regarding changes in their sexual behavior and any application of learning which they may have done. A comparison will then be done with their previous assessment to see any improvement or significant changes.

References:

NLRC, (2005) Teen Pregnancy among Latinas in San Diego County: Contraceptive and Abortion Attitudes and Behavior, The National Latino Research Center [Online] Available at: http://www.csusm.edu/nlrc/Fact_Sheet_Teen_Pregnancy.pdf [Accessed 07 February 2011].