Determinants and Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy among Public Basic School Learners

Abstract

The study examined the determinants and consequences of teenage pregnancy among public basic school learners at Sekyere Afram Plains, Ejura Sekyedumasi and Ahafo Ano North districts of Ashanti Region, Ghana. The design used was descriptive survey. The study population comprised of public basic school learners with pregnancy and their parents and teachers in the three districts. There were about 421 registered public basic school learners with pregnancy in the three districts. The sample was 127, made up of 103 learners, 49 teachers and 15 parents. Both respondents and participants were selected purposively. Questionnaires for learners and teachers and an interview guide for parents were the instruments used. Frequency count and percentage were used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data were analysed manually using open and thematic coding systems. The study revealed that learners, teachers and parents have significant idea as to what causes teenage pregnancy and its related negative consequences. Within the districts, poverty, lack of parental care, disvaluing of Ghanaian cultural practices, ignorance about the use of contraceptives and peer influence were the major causes of teenage pregnancy among the learners. This menace could lead to dysfunctions such as health problems, termination of educational career and child neglect. However, the menace can be narrowed by respecting our Ghanaian cultural values which ensures that members of the community abstain from premarital sex. Also, the menace can be reduced through effective education in order to spread the knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education through the director of Ghana Education Service should ensure that there is proper sex education based on Ghanaian cultural values and norms in our basic schools. However, these rich cultural values and norms should not infringe on the basic human rights of the girl-child.