The Uprising of Teenage Pregnancy

among students in Banza

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject

RESIMO, EXCEL IAN T.

The Problem and Its Background

Rationale of the Study

Teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue that affects many adolescents, families, and

communities worldwide. In the Philippines, teenage pregnancy remains a significant public

health concern, with approximately 10% of Filipino teens becoming pregnant before the age of

20. Teenage pregnancy has far-reaching consequences, including physical, emotional, and social

implications for both the mother and child.

Banza National High School is one of the schools in the Philippines where teenage

pregnancy is prevalent. The school administration, parents, and local government units have

expressed concern about the increasing number of students who become pregnant or have

already given birth.

Furthermore, the study aims to identify the social and economic consequences of teenage

pregnancy on young mothers and their families. Teenage pregnancy can lead to increased

poverty, social isolation, and reduced access to educational and career opportunities. Therefore,

understanding these consequences can help policymakers and educators develop appropriate

interventions to mitigate the impact of teenage pregnancy on young mothers and their families.

(David P. et. Al., 2020)

The study also seeks to identify the factors that contribute to the high incidence of

teenage pregnancy at Banza National High School. These factors may include inadequate access

to sexual and reproductive health services, inadequate sex education, cultural and social norms
that discourage the use of contraception, and poverty. Understanding these factors is crucial for

developing effective interventions that can help prevent teenage pregnancy and support young

mothers and their families.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with teenage

pregnancy among students in Banza National High School.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. Determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among female students in Banza

National High School

2. What are your possible intervention to be provided?

3. To understand the impact of teenage pregnancy on the educational attainment and future

prospects of the young mothers and their children

4. Does the pregnancy affect the school’s performance?

5. What is the common health risks encountered during pregnancy?

Significance of the Study

This study shall provide a new understanding about the continuous emergence of teenage

pregnancy.  The higher percentage of teenagers getting involved in this crisis shall lead to deeper

insights regarding the impact of teenage pregnancy among the youth, family members, and even

the society. As of now the percentage of women at the age of 15-19 is 5.4% or 5,531 who have

ever been pregnant in the country (Philippine Statistic Authority, 2022).

significant as it will contribute to the existing literature on the causes, effects, and prevention of

teenage pregnancy. The research findings can be used as a basis for developing evidence-based

interventions and programs to address the issue of teenage pregnancy in the school and

community. The study can also serve as a reference for future research on the topic.

Students: The study on teenage pregnancy at Banza National High School is significant

for students as it can help raise awareness on the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy.

The research findings can also help students make informed decisions about their sexual health

and behavior. The study can also provide insights into the factors that contribute to teenage

pregnancy, which can be used to develop interventions and programs to prevent teenage

pregnancy.

Teachers: The study on teenage pregnancy at Banza National High School is significant

for teachers as it can help them identify students who may be at risk of teenage pregnancy and

provide appropriate support and guidance. The research findings can also be used to develop sex

education programs that are relevant and effective in addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy.

The study can also provide insights into the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy, which

can help teachers understand the challenges faced by their students and develop strategies to

address them.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The scope of this qualitative study will be to explore the experiences and perceptions of

teenage pregnancy among students at Banza National High School. The study will focus on

identifying the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy, the impact of teenage pregnancy on
the education and social lives of students, and the strategies that can be implemented to prevent

teenage pregnancy. The study will also aim to understand the attitudes and beliefs of students

regarding teenage pregnancy and explore the cultural and societal factors that influence these

attitudes.

This study will be limited to Banza National High School and will only include students

who have experienced teenage pregnancy or have knowledge of the issue. The study will only be

conducted in Cebuano, and participants will be selected based on their willingness to participate

in the study and their availability. The study will not include the perspectives of parents,

teachers, or other stakeholders, and the findings may not be generalizable to other schools or

contexts. The study will also be limited by the availability of resources and time constraints,

which may impact the depth and breadth of the data collected.

Theoretical Framework

Teenage pregnancy has been a persistent social issue that has been prevalent worldwide.

The theoretical framework for this study is based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM)

developed by Bronfenbrenner (1979). The SEM is a theoretical framework that explains how

individual behavior is influenced by various environmental factors. The model consists of five

interrelated layers, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and

chronosystem.

Microsystem

This layer represents the immediate environment where teenagers interact with their

peers, family, and school. At the microsystem level, teenage pregnancy is influenced by factors

such as peer pressure, family support, and access to information and resources.
Mesosystem

The mesosystem represents the relationships between different microsystems. In this

case, the mesosystem includes the interaction between the school, family, and community. The

school can play a critical role in providing education and information on reproductive health to

students, while the family can provide emotional and financial support to teenagers who get

pregnant.

Exosystem

The exosystem represents the external environmental factors that indirectly affect teenage

pregnancy. In this case, the exosystem includes the media, government policies, and cultural

norms. These external factors can influence the attitudes and beliefs towards teenage pregnancy.

Macrosystem

The macrosystem represents the broader cultural and societal norms that shape beliefs

and values. In this case, the macrosystem includes cultural norms that stigmatize teenage

pregnancy and promote abstinence.

Chronosystem

The chronosystem represents the historical and developmental context in which

individuals live. In this case, the chronosystem includes the changes in societal norms and values

over time and how they influence teenage pregnancy rates.

Banza National High School

Social Ecological Model (SEM)

Microsystem Mesosystem Macrosystem

Chronosystem Exosystem
Definition of Terms

To understand and appreciate this study, the following terms are operationally defined:

Banza National High School – Refers to a secondary school located at Banza, Osmeña,

Butuan City. In this study, it is the research environment in which the respondents worked and

studied.

Teenage Pregnancy – Refers to a situation where a female becomes pregnant during her

teenage years, typically between the age of 13 and 19. It is a phenomenon that has significant

social, economic, and health consequences for both mother and child.

Contraception – Refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. These can

include barrier methods (such as condoms or diaphragms), hormonal methods (such as birth

control pills, patches, or injections), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and emergency contraception.

Sex Education – Is a curriculum that aims to educate students about human sexuality,

reproductive health, and various aspects of relationships. It often covers topics such as

contraception, safe sex practices, and the emotional and social aspects of relationships.

Peer pressure – Is the influence that individuals within a social group can exert on each

other, often encouraging conformity to certain behaviors or attitudes. In the context of teenage

pregnancy, peer pressure can contribute to risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or

engaging in sexual activity at a young age.