Factors Contributing to High Prevalence of Teenage Pregnancy in Lindi Municipality, Tanzania

Mauna, Juvenalis Babilas (2015) Factors Contributing to High Prevalence of Teenage Pregnancy in Lindi Municipality, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was carried out at Lindi Municipality, Lindi Region, Tanzania. Teenage pregnancy continues to be a social, economic and cultural problem due to its continuing rise that has an adverse impact to both teenage and the community as a whole. Teenage mothers are likely to suffer from several complications during delivery that result in higher morbidity and mortality for both mother and child. The study was aiming to determine environmental factors contributing to high prevalence of teenage pregnancy. The research methodology involved a descriptive crosssection study, where a simple random sampling was used to select a study population and sample size. The method used for data collection was interviews, administered questionnaires and focus group discussion (FGD). A total of 207 teenage interviewed, 101(49%) were males and 106 (51%) were females. The study has come out with the findings that majority 108 (52%) respondents have poor knowledge on methods of contraceptives. On other hand the study noted that early attending to initiation rites ceremony have an impact on early sexual practice were majority 95 (86%) of respondents attended initiation rites practiced sexual intercourse early compared to 16 (14%) of respondents who had not attend. This difference is statistically significant (2 = 4.38154; P < 0.05; df = 1; CI = 95%).It has noticed that the situation of sexual intercourse at the first contact was a coerced act. It is recommended that there is a need to strengthen reproductive health education programs in school and out of school that promote communication skills among males and females. Establishment of approach which is more holistic; equipping teenage with appropriate knowledge on sexuality, access to contraceptives rather than traditional coaching approaches that focus upon improving sexual ability.

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