Persistence of teenage pregnancies in Tanzania: a case of primary schools in Babati municipality
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Date
2023-11-21
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Tanzania Journal of Community Development
Abstract
The paper employed the Social Ecological Model to comprehensively assess the multifaceted factors contributing to teenage pregnancies in primary schools within Babati Municipality, Tanzania. A sample of 100 participants, including students, teachers, headmasters, community members, and local government officials from the Seventy students from two primary
schools participated, with a hundred respondents from the Maisaka and Singe wards. To facilitate a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing teenage pregnancies in primary schools, the research employed a combination of data collection methods, including in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions, enabling both open and closed-response inquiries.
primary school. Through meticulous analysis of the data, which included the descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression model analysis and thematic examination of critical themes emerging from the perspectives of the participants concerning "factors contributing to teenage pregnancies in primary schools," the study revealed that primary drivers of teenage pregnancies in Babati Municipality include lack of awareness on contraceptive measures to avoid pregnancy; little information from media, parents, teachers, and friends on pregnancy prevention; sexual intercourse experience at a tender age; level of sexual desire; peer pressure, material gain, and sexual desire. In light of these findings, the research proposes several recommendations. First, the government is advised to consider the construction of hostels for female pupils. Second, it emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between parents and teachers to educate pupils and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health matters, advocating for open and comprehensive discussions on these topics. Additionally, primary schools are encouraged to incorporate sex education into their
curriculum, taking the subject seriously. Moreover, teenagers are encouraged to delay the initiation of sexual activities and to adopt protective and preventive measures to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancies.
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Journal article
Keywords
Teenage, Adolescent, Pregnancy, Teenage pregnancies, Primary school