Assessment of socio economic conditions associated with teen pregnancy in Tanzania

Kombania, Julius Reginald (2019) Assessment of socio economic conditions associated with teen pregnancy in Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was an assessment of socio-economic conditions associated with teen pregnancy in Lindi District Council. The objectives of the study were to determine whether household gross income, Education level of Parents/Guardians and Occupation of the Parents/Guardians contribute to teen Pregnancy and thereafter to implore for suggestions on how to deal with the situation. The research methodology involved a descriptive cross-section study, where a simple random sampling and Purposive sampling technique were used to select study respondents and participants as per the inclusion criteria. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The methods used for primary data collection were administered questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD). A total of 35 Pregnant/and have child teenagers were interviewed from RCH, 208 teenage girls interviewed secondary school and 4 focus group discussion of a total of 42 participants. The results revealed a very strong statistical association between teen pregnancy and independent variables of Household income, Education and Occupation. The results showed 62.9% of respondents from RCH and 51% of secondary school’s respondents admitted to having engaged in transactional sex. This implied that income significantly influences decisions making ability. Besides being one among the most driving force to early sex, income problems induce parents to decide to use their daughters as a means of earning a living. Regarding parent/caregiver education the results highlighted 85.7% of respondents from RCH and 75.5% from schools stated that the rate of teenage pregnancies is higher in households with lower education levels than households with higher education levels hence as education increases teen pregnancy decreases and vice versa. Combating teen pregnancy is the process that needs to fortify educational curriculums in schools that incorporate sexual relations and reproductive health syllabuses which can enhance appropriate knowledge and awareness in both males and females. The strategies to improve the economic conditions of communities will help stabilize the household income capabilities and hence of the communities. In terms of policy and legislation, the relevant authorities should develop policies and laws that are currently relevant.

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