Research Papaer

CHAPTER virtuoso(a) INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background to the probe The terms jejuneness, teen, stripling, and azoic daysish people argon every last(predicate) in all use to attract people in the phase of life that marks the conversion from barbarianishness to adulthood. While at that place is universal agreement on the transition from childhood to adolescence, when exactly adolescence break offs and adulthood begins is little clear as the st progress of adolescence is culture-specific and thence different in every society. In slightly cultures, the transition from pueriler to adult could be very short, era, in an other(a)(prenominal) cultures it could be long-lived (Govindasamy et al. 2002). The World wellness Organization (WHO, 2009) defines adolescents as people vener open 10-19 y forbiddenh as those aged between 15-24 and young people as those aged between 10 and 24 historic period old and juveniler as people aged 13-19 years. Traore (2010) agrees that age h as been employ to differentiate adolescents from puerilers assemble on their physical maturation. This lease, however, prefer to take effeminates in the age group between 13 to 19 years as immaturers. In this acquire, the term teenrs was apply with prohibited. The incidence of puerile maternity remains racy around the world. jibe to Nanda (2006), adolescentd females contact experience to 15 million babys every year. Thus, juvenile maternal quality is a concern from both a human rights and a prevalent health perspective. immature gestation and its solvent on young gestation argon among the study societal problems confronting the contemporary global community (Gatara & Muriuki, 2005). In Ghana, for example, star work estimates that n earlierish one-third of the child turn ins recorded in globe hospitals occurred to women beneath 19 years of age (Xinhua, 2006).The prevalence is full(prenominal)er in the rural argonas and small- to-medium-sized towns whi ch are practically under-represented in the hospital be bring forth statistics. A survey conducted by the UN Regional Institute for creation Studies in piddle that one bulge out of three daughters aged 15 to 19 living in Ghanas Central Region has had a child (Xinhua, 2006). Similar prevalence of pueri air pregnancies capture been exposit for other Afri female genital organ countries (Mwansa et aI. , 2004). One take a sort in Swaziland found that females aged 15-19 years accounted for 32. per cent of the total richness (Gule, 2005). other shoot ideaed that females in the same age group contributed 103 births per railway yard women in the Kenya (Gatara & Muriuki, 2005). It has been estimated that at least one out of twenty girls is promising to give birth during the tutor-going age. Data for Botswana as well show that by 2004, tightly fittingly 25 portion of girls 15-19 years old were already mothers (Curtis, 2008). Two years subsequently, in 2006, 56 per cent of the girls had dropped out of secondary schools in the rustic due to gestation period (Mashalaba, 2009).On explaining the expositicularors that contribute to teen maternity, (Anderson, 2001) found that in lamen display board neighbourhoods, striplings experience less control over galore(postnominal) a(prenominal) aspects of their lives than the non- worthless.. Anderson (2001) has further reported that some impoverished juveniled girls con attituder childbirth as a rare source of self-esteem, or a sign of growing up, musical composition braceual conquest brings a feeling of accomplishment to some teen boys to whom legitimate opportunities may be blocked (Farley, 2005). The discussion of juveniled gestation period and childbirth therefore, hightail its to characterise the problem as mainly a rollick of the poor segment of society.Besides, a literature look backward (Lewis, 2006 2009) shows that aside poverty, factors much(prenominal) as early motion pictur e to familiar activityual action at law, wishing of agitate didactics, easy parental control and supervision, ally pressure, low self-esteem and the request for self-fulfillment are associated with adolescent maternalism. It is in light of these factors that this reckon longings to assess the factors that trance adolescent gestation period and their do in the Sunyani Municipality in swan to make out policy makers lecture the problem. 1. 2 caper StatementTeenage maternity has long been a worldwide well-disposed and teachingal concern for the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. some(prenominal) countries continue to experience high incidence of teenage motherliness nonwithstanding the intervention st assessgies that assume been put in place. In 2000 approximately 530,000 teenagers in the United States became heavy(predicate), out of which 51% gave birth (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Available literature suggests that in Africa, the t otal fertility rate has rectifyd to an clean of 2. 9 children per woman (Dickson, 2002).A go down in fertility rates has been associated with a high use of contraceptives among women and in addition the legalisation of abortion in well-nigh Afri nominate countries (Swartz, 2002). Despite the decline in the total fertility rate, teenage maternity has been found to be signifi back toothtly high (Dickson, 2002). The high prevalence of teenage maternalism in societies characterised by poverty, low development, fewer job opportunities and families headed by mothers who gave birth to their jump children in adolescence (Dryfoos, 2006 Macleod, 2009).Teenage gestation is in any case associated with other problematic behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, and early initiation of sexual activity, which constitute been identify as indicateors of maternal quality (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Plant and Plant (2002) argue that fortune or problem behaviour is associated with sociable disadvantage, poverty, stemlessness, unemployment, bad housing, fragmented family structure and trying life events. The youth emulate the behaviour of their parents and of their society, therefrom cordial and pagan factors knead patterns of risk taking (Plant & Plant, 2002).The high incidence of teenage pregnancy has fix a major societal and educational concern, as it seems to uphold poverty and low levels of education (Furstenberg et al. , 2007 Morgan, 2007). Also due to changing fond circumstances and value, teenage pregnancy is a tolerated phenomenon in modern Ghanaian society. accessible permissiveness towards sex outside coupling, and absence of serious neighborly repercussions like isolation or exclusion following an out of marriage ceremony birth, contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007).It has overly been argued by Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) that the high value placed on fertility and education encourages adolescen t girls to aspire for both motherhood and pedantic qualifications. The high pagan value placed on education and fertility is seen as a contributory factor to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Education and the contact employment prospects enhances the possibility of improved quality of life and thus may be one of the factors that encourage adolescent to continue with school later child birth (Kaufman et al. , 2001). fifty-fifty though pregnant teenagers may non miscellaneaally be prevented from be at school, realistically, due to the demands of parenting, they may be hale to drop out of school, for example, in instances where there is no one to compute after the child plot the teenage mother continues with her schooling. whatsoever dates the pregnant teenager feels isolated from her peers. She may be embarrassed by her take aim and puddle difficulty fitting in with her non-pregnant peers and as a expiration may drop out of school. Paren ting teenagers practically move over to deal with combative family races. Sometimes parents react with petulance to the pregnant teenagers.She may be diabolic or ostracised for causing a problem (Cervera, 2004). Consequently, she may non conk financial aid and nurse from her family members forcing her to drop out of school in ordering to raise her child. Based on the aforementioned problems and its effect on the teenager, child, family and the society, this shoot seeks to assess the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their cause in the Sunyani Municipality in order to wait on policy makers address the problem. It has been established that there has not been any standardized culture concerning teenage pregnancy and their effects on teenagers at the Sunyani Zongo community.Although there have been countless cases of teenage pregnancy in the community depriving requireed teenagers from furthering their prefatory education. The aged in the community ground on interaction with the inquiryer revealed that people come to the community to seek the support of the residents in solvent to their questionnaires, their projects aimed at other relevant community cogitate problems but none of them is foc employ on teenage pregnancy. 1. 3 Justification of the Study Little attention has been given to psychological variables and bringes that predict the occurrence of teenage pregnancy (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008).Most literature focuses on social factors, which incline teenagers to falling pregnant. maternal quality may cause psychological distress, as it is a lot associated with dropping out of school, either in the maiden place or shortly after childbirth (Zondi, 2002). Teenage mothers are to a great extent likely to present with symptoms of depression when compared with their non-parenting peers and elder mothers (Kalil & Kunz, 2000). The transition to motherhood puts teenagers at a greater risk for psychological distress because they are socially, cognitively and emotionally immature to look at with the demands of motherhood.This register examines the experiences of pregnant disciples, both in a scholastic and personalised context. It assesses how these learners are seeed by the demands of coexisting motherhood and adolescence. at that place appears to be little seek done on how Ghanaian pregnant adolescent learners perceive their situation and how they cope with the demands of adolescence and of motherhood. The burdens drawn from the study would form a ass for further enquiry on the psychological effects of pregnancy during teenagers and may too be of value to designing intervention strategies. 1. 4 Research ObjectivesThe study focused on the following objectives. 1. 5 worldwide Objective To assess the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality (SM) in order to recommend policy actions for policy makers. 1. 5. 1 specialized objectives This study in black marketed To assess the influence of socio-stinting place on teenage pregnancy To identify the effect of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy and To examine mess hall media moving-picture show and its effect on teenage pregnancy. To assess the effects of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality. To make recommendations ground on the findings of the study. . 5 Research Questions Based on the specific objectives of the study, the interrogation seeks answers to the following questions What is the influence and effects of socio- economic post on teenage pregnancy in the SM? What are the influences and effects of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy in the SM? How does the hoi polloi media moving picture bushel on teenage pregnancy? What are the consequences of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality? 1. 6 Signifi sackce of the Study The outcome of this study pass on effect useful cultivation close to the psychological well-being of pregnant teenagers.This provide a ssist mental health professionals in developing appropriate psycho-educational programmes to address the psychosocial contends associated with teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Furtherto a greater extent, the findings of the study will help to inform human race debate that could lead to the development of appropriate policies on how to deal with the challenge of teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Also victims of teenage pregnancy will stick the opportunity to disclose information approximately their experiences in order to help in their addressing problems.Considering the nature of this study, including student affairs professionals, counsellors or psychologists, and those interested in womans bailiwicks would be assisted to identify the factors associated with teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality and their effects on the teenager, the child and the society. Future police detectives, who would study into determinants of teenage pregnancy in the Municipality, would lik ewise have a complement or a basis for their literature review. Finally, the explore is likely to raise questions leading to further seek. 1. 7 Scope of the StudyFor feasibility spirits, the study focused on how socio-economic stipulation peer pressure and early exposure to sexual activity by the potbelly media influence teenage pregnancy and their effects on the teenager, child and the society. The study considered school going teenagers who dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality. In the study, a pregnant teenager was pregnant girl aged 13 to 19 years. Besides, psychological effects in this study referred to the presence of symptoms link up to somatic complaints, anxiety and insomnia, social isolation, and depression.The current study focused on pregnant teenagers who were drawn from the Sunyani Municipality who attended antenatal clinic (ANC) at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital (SMH) during the period of information collection. 1. 7 Delimit ation Even though the study was carried out in Sunyani Municipality, concentration was on teenagers at Sunyani Zongo community considering the fact that they have stake in the topic understudy. This research was conducted at heart the following parameters the influence and effects of socio-economic situation on teenage pregnancy he influence and effects of peer pressure on teenage pregnancy the influence and effects of spile media exposure on teenage pregnancy the consequences of teenage pregnancy on teenagers. 1. 8 giving medication of the Chapters The research is in five different chapters. In the first chapter, an brain wave is given as to what the study is all near with the statement of research problem, research questions and objectives, signifi seatce of the study, limitations of the study, and the organization of the essay. In the second chapter, an overview of relevant corporals link up to the study is discussed.In the third chapter, the researcher presents the re gularityology used in the study chapter 4 will focus on the presentation and psychoanalysis of info, and the ut virtually chapter will look at the conclusions and recommendations. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Introduction This chapter reviewed several selected studies which relate to the topic. The chapter focused on literature related to socio-economic status and teenage pregnancy peer pressure and teenage pregnancy, megabucks media exposure and teenage pregnancy as well as the effects of teenage pregnancy 2. 2 Socio-economic status and Teenage maternal qualityIt has been revealed that teenage pregnancy is practically associated with low socio-economic status ( Dryfoos, 2006). Economically disadvantaged teenagers are characterised by low levels of education and lack of employment opportunities (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Certain family characteristics have too been identified as factors that put teenagers at risk of becoming pregnant in early life. Factors such as po verty, integrity parent families peculiarly the female headed households, poorly educated parents have been associated with teenage pregnancy (Furstenberg et al. , 2007).Teenagers from one-parent headed families are apt to suffer from deprivations that may lead them to seek affection, security and a sense of signifi give the sackce elsewhere (Chillman, 2006). There are two contrastive views on the subject of integrity parenting. In some sources it is argued that more or less parenting adolescents have been found to come from impoverished single parent families, which are often headed by a female (Swartz, 2002). In the other source, children raised in single parent families are much likely to have been victims of an seismal family environment, have experienced a divorce or parental impinge (Russell, 2004).Negative family environment dictations a major region in contributing to early teenage sexual experience and teenage pregnancy (Cunningham & Boult, 2002 Macleod, 2009). A familys low economic status with all the factors associated with it, impacts negatively on teenagers situations towards early pregnancy. Life experiences associated with poverty minimise the comprehend repercussions of adolescent pregnancy (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Andorka (2008) utter that people with higher income show lower fertility levels at the precedent stage of socioeconomic development than people with lower income.Other basics of economic conditions such as economic security withal seem to have a signifi deposet influence on teenage pregnancy (Andorka, 2008). A study by Kamal (2009) showed that a signifi put forwardt negative relation was found between teenage motherhood and the wealth index. About three out of four women with a poor wealth index origined childbearing before they reached the age of nineteen. Choe et al. (2001) showed that womans education was signifi finishtly related to the probability of child bearing before the age of 20.The results of a stu dy by Were (2007) also showed that teenage pregnancies were perpetuated by poor educational access as women with low levels of education tended to be the victims of teenage birth. Because educated woman were more likely to participate in the labour withdraw than their uneducated or lower educated counter move, women who were working also tended to delay their first marriage and first birth compared with those women who were not working. In Ghana, Bogue (2009) argue that education showed a stronger and more consistent relationship with teenage pregnancy.The level of education of women is a socioeconomic indicator which is frequently found to be negatively related to teenage pregnancy. This is because educated women tend to marry and use contraception later compared to women who have a low level of education (Bongaarts, 2008). Furthermore, Cochrane (2009) also utter that education was overconfidently related to more favourable attitudes toward birth control, greater knowledge of co ntraception, and husband-wife communication. Thus, concerning the context of the study, it assumes that the level of educational attainment of women may affect the timing of childbearing among women. . 3 associate Pressure and Teenage Pregnancy Preston-Whyte & Zondi (2002) found that schoolmates exerted a lot of pressure on their peers to engage in sexual relations. Some studies have found that teenagers often have-to doe with their peers as being of strong influence on their sexual behaviour (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002 Chillman, 2006). Teenagers posit for approval and a desire to belong to a group makes them vulnerable to peer influence thereby leading to them to teenage pregnancy (Kamal, 2009). immediately teenagers preferred position is to stay away from their parents, to avoid to be controlled by parents.They rather listen to their peers than to their parents. Bezuidenhout (2002) say that during that time norms and values taught by parents start to fade out and are replace d by liberal sexual values orientated by peers. Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) mentioned that peer pressure plays a constituent in teenage pregnancy. Buga et al. (2006) found that 20% of girls and 10% of boys respectively indicated that they had initiated sexual activity because of peer pressure. Wood et al. (2006) state peer pressure takes a form of exclusionary practices (e. g. sending sexually inexperienced teenagers away when having discussions concerning sexual matters).Again Mfono (2008) indicated that one of the dynamics operative in sexual relations is that girls and young women are under pressure to demonstrate that they are sexually capable of giving birth. Furthermore, Rozakis (2003) recollectd that many teens are pushed by their friends into doing something they are not ready for, and really do not perceive that peer pressure preempt be a very strong and persuasive force for sexual relations during adolescence. Peer association has been indicated as one of the strong est predictors of adolescent sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancy (DiBlasio & Benda, 2004).Youth that do not engage in sex tend to have friends who also abstain. Those that are sexually industrious tend to believe that their friends are sexually active as well. Males, particularly those over 16, report more pressure from peers to be sexually active musical composition females report more pressure from partners (Guggino & Ponzetti, 2007). Moore and Rosenthal (2003) pointed to the following shipway peer influence give the sack hold Through sharing of information, which can serve as a guide in decision-making about sex (this may include incorrect information).Through prevailing attitudes about sexuality (implicitly reflected in their behaviour and serving as a component part molding or explicitly stated in discussions etc. ). For example, there is some research evidence that the age of first confabulation is related to the perceive peer approval of premarital relative (Dau gherty & Burger, 2004). 2. 4 Mass media exposure and Teenage Pregnancy Lucas (2004) stated that the age at first marriage is the one of the determinants of fertility and is cliqueed as the intercourse variable. Early entry into marriage or a union is considered to be strongly connected with early child bearing.The supposition is that it will come upon women to regular sexual intercourse through the mound media, and therefore append the possibility of conception (Mahy & Gupta, 2002). Gupta and Leite (2009) stated that access to the media was found to be the to the highest degree significant predictor of fertility among young adult women in brazil-nut tree based on an analysis of DHS data. In this region, the flock media are believed to play an serious role in promoting social attitudes about fertility and procreative behaviours, especially given the countrys linguistic homogeneity (Gupta & Leite, 2009).It can be assumed that women who are used to being exposed to s bastard m edia are likely to understand the risks of teenage motherhood, and, as a result, they tend to delay their pregnancies. It is clear from different sources that the media often plays a major role in influencing teenage pregnancy. Parents can hardly consistently monitor what programmes their teenagers are watching. Rozakis (2003) believed that television is the main source of sexual socialization in many teenagers lives in the USA.According to A Rozakis (2003), in a single year there were 20, 000 sexual messages on television used to sell al virtually anything you can imagine cars, travel, soft drinks, toothpaste, and clothing. Television also shows six times more extramarital sex than sex between husbands and wives. During the absence of any senior person children become bored and want to experiment with many things including exploring TV channels as source of entertainment. Devenish et al. (2002) agreed that the media also portray sex as fun and exciting.Bezuidenhout (2004) added th at sexually arousing material, whether it is on film, in print or set to music, is freely available to the teenager and such information is often presented out of the context of the prescribed sexual norms of that society. Schultz (2004), in his empirical study, suggested that sex educators, social workers, other helping professionals, and parents should work unneurotic to counteract distortions that affect adolescents sexual development and sexual growth, and professionals and parents need to recognize the reality and effect of the media as an influence on sexual growth.All of the above can influence teenagers behaviour and encourage them to experiment with sex which will lead to unwanted teenage pregnancies (Schultz, 2004). Similarly, Moore and Rosenthal (2003) pointed out that television, films and other forms of media have withdraw a lot of the mystery surround sex by increasingly explicit portrayal of sexual acts, which can provide a model of sexual behaviour. The stereotypi c portrayals often do not provide positive role models with hedonistic values rather than function being promoted (e. g. supply for sex being rarely include) (Moore, 2000).According to McCabe (20055), the medias message is that teenagers should be sexually experienced. 2. 5 Effects of Teenage Pregnancy Teenage pregnancy has been associated with a tally of negative effects, hence it is perceived as a social problem (Furstenberg et al. , 2007 Macleod, 2009). In medical literature it has been associated with obstetrics problems such as high infant and maternal mortality, risks of clandestine abortion, delivery complications and low infant birth weight (Dickson, 2002). Other complications for the teenage mother are extra educational opportunities, self-determination and a poor quality of life (Prater, 2002).At the broader social level the high teenage fertility rate has been found to have a negative effect on the economic development (Varga, 2003). Some young mothers do not get supp ort from their families. They may be rejected by their families and blamed for introducing a permanent crisis (Hudson & Ineichen, 2001 Cervera, 2004). In a situation where there was a pre-existing interpersonal problem, there is a potential that tension might be orchestrated (Dryfoos, 2006). Therefore negate may arise between the pregnant daughter and other members of the family.Some sources have reported positive results, indicating that sometimes a family reorganises itself in order to change to the new member of the family (Cervera, 2004). The family may react with dismay or anger when they dis rachis about the pregnancy, but when the baby is born the family may become the source of support for the mother (Moore, 2000). Positive family support has been associated with emotional adjustment and mental stability for both mother and child (Camerana et al. , 2008). According to Kalil and Kunz (20088) young mothers who lived with a supportive family tended to cope better.In the Ghan aian context, a child of an divorced mother belongs to its mothers family (Burman, 2002). It is very unlikely that her family will reject a teenage mother (Kaufman et al. , 2001). Most communities no longer practice acts of exclusion to the single(a) mother and her child (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007). In her review of South African studies on teenage pregnancy, Macleod (20099) stated that teenage mothers reported a perceived improvement in the relationship with their parents. Parents were reported to relate to teenage mothers as adults. Thus parenthood gave the teenage mothers an entry to adulthood (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002).Prater (2002) stated that teenage pregnancy and subsequent parenting could create major obstacles to any learners achievements at school. Thus, pregnant learners are impaired by their situation. Even though they have as much potential for academic success as their non-parenting cohorts, there are multidimensional causes for their academic failure. Many investi gations have shown that early pregnancy hinders educational attainment. Erikson (2004) reported that teenage mothers exhibited a syndrome of failure, which included a failure to remain in school. Pregnant learners are more likely to drop out of school for at least an academic year.The dual role of being a mother and a learner is stressful (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007) and impinges on school achievement. School attendance, is also mad by such things as babysitting arrangements and the health of the child. Furstenberg et al. (2007) referred to what is termed role gazump. He defined role overload as the strain that exists when the teenage mother simultaneously attempts to meet the demands of parenting and schooling. Parenting learners cannot participate in experiences enjoyed by their peers, for example, extra-curricular activities, which can add much value to the total school experience of closely teenagers.Despite these hardships schooling emerged as important (Prater, 2002). Depress ion has been correlated with teenage pregnancy (Hamburg, 2006). Parenting teenagers are more likely to present with higher levels of depression when compared with non-parenting adolescents and older mothers. In most literature psychological distress among adolescent mothers is perceived as resulting from psychosocial stressors related to the adjustment into the role of being the mother (Kalil & Kunz, 2000). In some literature it is argued that teenage girls are predisposed to depression (Galambos, 2004).It is postulated that teenage girls are more prone to experiencing mothers of the same ethnic and socio-economic status had similar findings ( handle et al. , 2006 Hudson & Ineichen, 2001). It was found that infants of teenage mothers are more likely to convey less verbal stimulation and to have developmental delays. These negative effects were associated with the fact that teenage mothers had limited knowledge of developmental milestones and held punitive child bringing up attitud es. Literature concludes that teenage mothering is contributory to poor cognitive development of the child.Low education levels of the mother, poor socioeconomic status and negative attitudes towards child rearing are correlated with the childs poor developmental outcome (Field et al. , 2006). Cunningham and Boult (2006) also postulated that the young mothers immaturity, social inexperience and lack of child rearing skills have a negative effect on the child. The young mother and her off-spring are at a risk of becoming victims of crime like incest, rape, neglect, abuse, family violence and of participation in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, prostitution etc.In the Ghanaian context the teenage mother often resides in her parental home (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002) and the child is often in the vex of an adult during the day either the grandmother or at an preference day dread. This implies that the child of a teenager is more than likely to receive parenting from a n adult mother framing and to benefit from this interaction (Camerana et al. , 2008). Multiple vex giving has also been found to be of benefit for the mother. While an adult is looking after the child, the mother gets the opportunity to attend to other responsibilities thus alleviating the stressors for the mother (Yozi, 2003).It is beneficial for both the teenage mother and her child and therefore children who are raised in their mothers parental home are more likely not to suffer the detrimental consequences associated with teenage mothering. CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3. 0 Introduction The purpose of this chapter was to discuss the methodology followed to collect and analyse data for the purpose of answering the research questions mentioned in chapter one of this study. The rationale for the use of a specific methodology was discussed. 3. 1 Study Area 3. 1. 1 Location and SizeSunyani Municipality is one of the twenty-two administrative districts in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghan a. It lies between Latitudes 70 20N and 70 05N and Longitudes 20 30W and 2010W and shares boundaries with Sunyani westernmost soil to the North, Dormaa District to the West, Asutifi District to the South and Tano North District to the East. There are effective economic and social interactions with the neighbouring districts which promote resource light among these districts. The municipality has a total land area of 829. 3 Square Kilometres (320. 1square miles). 3. 1. creation Size and Growth rate SMA had a population of 260,924 with growth rate of 3. 8 percent (PHC, 2010). The male female ratio is of 50. 4 females to 49. 6 males, thus the sex ratio of the municipality is 1 Male 1. 01 Females. The percentage of female teenagers in the municipality is 12. 3% (PHC, 2010). 3. 1. 3 Household Characteristics 26 percent of households in the municipality have 1-3 persons making up a household, 45. 3 percent have 4-6 persons, and 22. 7 percent 7-9. Also the least composition has 4 perce nt and 2 percent for 10-12 and 13-15 respectively (PHC, 2010).The municipality has an average household size of 4. canvass the municipalitys average household size of 4 to the national average household size of 5. 1, the average household size of the municipality is low. 3. 1. 4 Literacy Levels habituated the criterion that persons aged 15 years and above who complete basic school (Primary, JSS or Middle school level) are literates, the survey revealed that about 76 percent of the population of the municipality is literates. The municipality can therefore be tell to be highly literate when compared to the national average of 53. percent. This situation allows for volume of people to understand and get involved in the development process of the municipality. 3. 2 Study Design The study design is descriptive cross-sectional. descriptive cross-sectional design provided clarification and description of accurate information about factors influencing teenage pregnancy and the effects of teenage pregnancy. This study design was used because according to Majova (2002), in descriptive cross-sectional research there is no manipulation of subjects. The researcher measures things as they are.Besides, descriptive cross-sectional study provides answers to the research question. Finally, Ntsholo (2002) believes that this design is suitable in cases where time and resources are limited. 3. 3 Study Population A teenager according to Collins English mental lexicon (1998557) is a person aged from 13 to 19 years of age. The study population from this research point of view defines a pregnant teenager as a school going person between the ages of 13 and 19 who took a pregnancy interrogatory and the results are positive, which means she is pregnant.According to the 2010 Population and Housing census, there are 1086 school-going women of this age range in the Sunyani Municipality, representing 22. 1 percent of all women in fertility age. 3. 4 Sampling Methods and test Size The researcher used both non-probability and probability take in methods for the study. For non-probability sampling, the researcher used convenience sampling method. For the convenience sampling, the researcher used pregnant teenage girls that were easily accessible and were willing to participate in a study.This helped to save time and money. Besides, for the probability sampling, the researcher employed a open random sampling. For the sampling random sampling, the researcher will write Yes and No on pieces of nicely cut hard cardboard papers and give them to the respondents who will be at the antenatal clinic (ANC). All respondents who will lease Yes were given the questionnaire upon their consent to partake in the study. This procedure was repeated for the correct three weeks of data collection until the sample size of was sampled.Using the formula for compute sample size (Epi-Info version 7. 09. 34), this formula was used N=t? *p(q)/ d? Where N = required sample size t = assu rance level at 95% (standard value of 1. 96) p = Estimated prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality (17%= 0. 17) d = level of precision at 5% (standard value of 0. 05) q=1-p Hence, n= (1. 96)? ? 0. 17 (1-0. 17) ? (0. 05)? n= 3. 8416 ? 0. 17 (0. 83) ? 0. 0025 n=0. 0. 54204976/0. 0025 n= 216. 82 ? 217 An additional sample size of 23 (10. %) was added to take care of attrition. In all, 240 eligible respondents were supposed to be sampled. For lack of time, the researcher used half of 240 (120) for the study. However, this sample size (120) was large enough to make way for generalization and non-response error having taken care of attrition. 3. 5 Data collection Methods 3. 5. 1 Questionnaire The instrument used was a self designed structure questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Teenage Pregnancy. The questionnaire was divided into three major parts of A and B.Part A is made up of the bio-data otherwise known as the personal data of the respondents which comprises of age, location, educational level, religion and current occupation. Part B of the instrument was made to elicit responses from teenage mothers in order to test and discuss the research questions raised. The researcher administered the instrument with the assistance of nurses at hospitals on subjects that came for antenatal clinic. The use of nurses was sought to allow for professionalism as they would be able to know through the personal data of their clients the sample sought for.The researcher also used teenagers at the Sunyani Zongo community. In this study, the researcher used questionnaire as a method of collecting data because it has an advantage that the researcher can reach large number of respondents at the same time. Besides, the questionnaire serves two purposes. Firstly, it translated the research objectives into specific questions the answers provided the data necessary to answer the research question. The second purpose was to motivate the respondent to communicate the required information. The researcher used close -ended questionnaire.This has an advantage in that it eliminated irrelevant responses and allowed respondents to focus on most important issues at hand and saved time. The questionnaire is quick, efficient and relatively easy to administer. 3. 5. 2 Document/Literature Review Besides, the tools for secondary data were search engines such as Hinari, Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Social Science Research meshing (SSRN). Furthermore, books from the University College and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology (KNUST) library as well as publisher articles online on teenage pregnancy were used. 3. 5. Study Variables The dependent variable in this study was teenage pregnancy. That is, a teenager who pregnant at the time of the study. Besides, the following dependent variables have been selected for the analysis 1. There were four demographic variables which are expected to have an effect on teenage pregnancy teenagers c urrent age, religion, location, and current occupation. Peer pressure and exposure to chew media will also be considered as factors influencing teenage pregnancy as independent variables. 2. Socio-economic variables were considered to influence the prevalence of teenage pregnancy.There were seven socio-economic variables womens education, husbands education, religion, type of place of residence, wealth index, working status, and media exposure index. shelve 1 Study Variables VariablesOperational DefinitionData Collection Methods Objective 1 Socio-economic status Economically disadvantaged teenagers are characterized by Low levels of education need of employment opportunities Female headed households Poorly educated parents structure questionnaire Literature review Objective 2 Peer pressureSchoolmates exerting a lot of pressure on their peers to engage in sexual relations.Teenagers need for approval and a desire to belong to a group. Structured questionnaire Literature review Obj ective 3 Mass media exposureThe type of movie and its correlation with sexual intercourse. Access to the media and teenage pregnancy. TV channels teenagers normally watch as source of entertainment. Structured questionnaire Literature review Objective 4 Effects of teenage pregnancy. closing off Depression School drop rate Poor quality of lifeStructured questionnaire RecommendationsRecommendations for policy makers, municipal health directorate, future researchers and NGOsLiterature review character Researchers Construction, 2012 . 6 Data Analysis Method In this study, quantitative method of data analysis was used. Firstly, demographic variables were assigned numerical values since these responses did not have a quantitative relationship. Data was analysed using chi-square. In order to test the association between teenage pregnancy and some selected demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents among teenagers, univariate analyses including descriptive statistics of relevant variables was done. Then, this was followed by more complex analyses which comprise bivariate and multivariate analyses, in particular, he Chi Square Test and binary logistic regression. All of the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. 0 software. 3. 7 Ethical Consideration Ethical clearance was first sought from the efficacy of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Ethics Committee Board of Catholic University College of Ghana, which offered an ethical backing for the study. Informed permission was also sought from the District Director of Health Services, the District Public Health Unit, and the head of institutions of the discordant health facilities used for the study.All procedures in accordance with the ethical standards of the Ghanaian Ministry of Health were followed. Every respondent was assured of confidentiality of the information given and that the information was meant scientific purposes only. Voluntary participation of the respondents was ensured. Finally, all secondary data were duly authenticated in the text and the reference list. 3. 8 Limitations of the Study The researcher approach a number of constraints in this study considering the fact that outsiders were involved in the study.Factors such as time allotted for the study, combining studies and research, financial constraints and hiring of research assistance impeded the success of this study. Considering the fact that Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre library is not well stocked it became necessary for the researcher to search for extra materials on factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects outside the university. CHAPTER FOUR 4. 0 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSIONS 4. 1 Presentation and Analysis This chapter analyzed the data gathered from the line of business using the stated objectives as a guide.Considerably, the analysis was grouped into bio data and the main data. With the main data emphasis was on socio-econo mic status of teenage mothers, peer pressure and teenage pregnancy, effects of mountain media on teenage pregnancy and effects of teenage pregnancy. 4. 1. 1 part A Demographic write in code 1 Distribution of Respondents by mature Source Field Work, 2013 Inferring to project 1, 24% (n=29) of the respondents were within 13-15 years maculation 58% (n=69) were also within 16-19 and 5 %(n=6) were within the range of 22-25. Additionally, table 1 further explained that %4 (n=5) were within 28-31 with 5% (n=6) also within 34-37 years.Mean eon, table 1 far-famed that the rest 4% (n=5) were 34+. defer 2 Distribution of Respondents by Educational Background AgeFrequencyPercentage JHS/SHS11092 Nurses training college 76 University 32 come120100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 1, observed that 92% (n=110) of the respondents were hush in JSHS/SHS while 6% (n=7) also attended nurses training school with the remaining 2% (n=3) been university graduates. Table 3 Distribution of Respondents by holiness Religion FrequencyPercentage Muslim 8873 Christian 3227 Total120100 Source Field Work, 2013According to table 3, 73% (n=88) of the respondents were Muslims while 27 %(n=32) were also Christians. Table 4 Distribution of Respondents by marital status Marital status FrequencyPercentage Single 9378 Married 2218 disassociate 54 Total120100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 4 explained that 78% (n=93) of the respondents were single while 18% (n=22) were married and the remaining 4% (n=5) were also divorced. 4. 1. 2 Section B Socio-economic status of teenage mothers Source Field Work, 2013 watch 2 Socio-economic status of teenage mothersAccording to figure 2, 73% (n=80) of the teenagers bring out that the socio-economic status of teenage mothers is very poor while 27% (n=30) also described the socio-economic status of teenage mothers as poor. Table 4 Social class that dominates teenage pregnancy Social classFrequencyPercentage Middle class2018 Lower class9082 Total110100 Field Work, 2013 According to figure 2, 18% (n=20) of the teenagers verbalize teenagers from middle class families dominates teenage pregnancy while 82% (n=90) explained that children from lower class families always form a core number of teenage pregnancy related cases.Table 5 Social characteristics associated with teenage mothers Social characteristicsFrequencyPercentage Lack of medical care1514 Lack of employment2523 Social neglect109 meagerness 6054 Total 110100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 5 indicates that 54% (n=60) of the teenagers said one main common characteristics associated with teenage pregnancy is poverty while 14% (n=15) also added lack of medical care and 23% (n=25) revealed that lack of employment is also another problem associated with teenage pregnancy with the remaining 9% (n=10) mentioning social neglect. Source Field Work, 2013 design 3 means of earning a living by teenage mothers Figure 3 observed that 53% (n=58) of the teenagers used in this study disclosed that teenage mothers earn a living through modest jobs while 18% (n=20) also added parental support and 29% (n=32) disclosed that teenager mothers survive through assistance from philanthropists. Source Field Work, 2013 Figure 4 Familys social status and teenage pregnancy All the 110 teenagers used in this study representing 100% responding affirmative meaning they strongly believe that familys social status can impact negatively on teenagers attitude towards early pregnancy.Section C peer pressure and teenage pregnancy Table 6 Contribution of peers towards teenage pregnancy Peer pressureFrequencyPercentage Sexual influence8073 Obscene material provided by friends 3027 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 6 shows that 73 %( n=80) of the respondents said they were influenced by their peers to engage in sexual relationships whereas 27% (n=30) also mentioned lewd materials provided by friends. Table 7 Moving With PeersPeer pressureFrequencyPercentage Yes 109 No 10091 Total110100 Sou rce Field Work, 2013 With reference to table 7, 9% (n=10) of the teenagers stated categorically with Yes response indicating that they are comfortable moving with their peers while 91% (n=100) said No meaning based on what they have been through in the pass of friends they are no more comfortable with their peers. Source Field Work, 2013 Figure 5 engagement in sexual relationshipWith emphasis on figure 4, it was effected that 71% (n=78) of the teenagers responded Yes indicating that they were coerced by their peers to engage in sexual relationship while 29 % (n=32) added No implying that they were not coerced by their peers to engage in sexual relationship. Source Field Work, 2013 Figure 6 Cause of pregnancy Figure 6 shows that 89% (n=98) of the teenagers said sexual experimentation led to their pregnancy while 11% (n=12) of them said it was as a result of genuine relationship.Table 8 Operation of Peers Operation of peersFrequencyPercentage Sharing of information6055 Prevailing at titude about sexuality3027 Premarital intercourse2018 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013 According to table 8 55% (n=60) of the teenagers said peers do operate by sharing information while 27% (n=30) also said peers carry out their activities through prevailing attitude about sexuality. Additionally, 18% (n=-20) also said peers operate through premarital sexual intercourse. Section D effects of portion media on teenagersTable 9 role of the mass media on teenager issues use of mass media Frequency Percentage Educative programmes 7064 map modeling 4036 Total 110100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 9 shows that 64% (n=70) of the teenagers said the mass media can help teenagers overcome their plight through educative programmes while 36% (n=40) also adding by inviting role models on their talk shows. Table 10 rating the effect of mass media on teenagers Effects of mass mediaFrequencyPercentage Good109 Very bad8577 Bad1514 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013Concerning the ratings of th e effects of mass media on teenage pregnancy, 77% (n=85) of the respondents said very bad whereas 14% (n=15) added bad with the remaining 9% (n=10) good. Source Field Work, 2013 Figure 7 charge of teenage pregnancy by the mass media Figure 7 shows that 55% (n=60) said doing away with obscene programmes is one major way the mass media can help overcome teenage pregnancy with 45% (n=50) explaining that developing education oriented programme for teenagers is also one other way the mass media can contribute towards the crusade against teenage pregnancy.Table 11 mass media and management of teenage pregnancy InfluentialFrequencyPercentage TV8073 Radio2018 Magazine109 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013 According to table 11 revealed that 73% (n=80) said one medium that influence teenage most is TV while 18% (n=20) also disclosed that radio do influence teenagers and 9 %( n=10) were of the view that magazines have influence on the lifestyle of teenagers. Source Field Work Figure 8 Role o f Parents The teenagers used in this study established that parents have a role to play in the campaign against teenage pregnancy.As a result of that figure 7 observed that 64% (n=70) of the teenagers said one major role of parents in the fight against teenage pregnancy is by providing the needs of their children while 27% (n=30) also noted that social monitoring is another way parents can help control teenage pregnancy with the remaining 9%(n=10) adding playing their parental role. Section D Effects Teenage Pregnancy Figure 9 effects of Teenage Pregnancy Source Field Work, 2013Table 9 shows that 40% (n=4) of the nurses believed that in most cases teenage pregnancy can lead to low infant birth weight whiles 3% (n=3) also disclosed that teenage pregnancy leads to high infant mortality with 2% (n=2) adding high maternal mortality rate. Additionally, the remaining 10% (n=1) mentioned that teenage pregnancy is associated with delivery complications. Figure 10 effect of teenage pregnanc y on formal education Source Field Work, 2013 According to figure 10, all the 10 nurses representing 100% disclosed that teenage pregnancy has serious effect on formal education with Yes response. Source Field Work, 2013Figure 11 Problem face by teenage mothers Figure 11 explained that 50% (n=5) of the nurses noted that one of the problems that teenage mothers go through is stigmatization whiles 40% (n=4) also said dismissal from school with the remaining 10% (n=1) stating that in most cases some parents reject their teenage children after delivery. Source Field Work, 2013 Figure 12 Problems associated with teenage babies With reference to figure 10, 80% (n=8) of the nurses said teenage babies have poor nutrition due to the miserable state of their mothers while 20% (n=2) added that babies from teenage mothers have poor cognitive development problem.Figure 13 Advice for teenagers Source Field Work, 2013 According to table 13, 60% (n=6) of the nurses used in this study said one of t he reliable ways for teenagers to hold dear themselves against teenage pregnancy is through self-denial while 40% (n=4) also added it can be done through the use of condom. 4. 2 Discussions 4. 2. 1 Socio-economic status of teenage mothers Inferring to the content data bulk (73%) of the teenagers disclosed that the socio-economic status of teenage mothers is very poor. In a similar study, Lesch and Krugar (2005) revealed that teenage pregnancy is often associated with low economic status.Supportively, 82% of the teenagers responded that lower class families always form a core number of teenage pregnancy related cases. In support of the respondents view Lesch and Krugar (2005) once again explained with a study on the relationship between teenage pregnancy and socio-economic status that due to high rate of poverty, teenagers from low class families are faced with a number of socio-economic problems leading them to sexual experimentation with an intention of acquiring money to cover t heir social needs that their parents find it difficult to meet them as required. However, the end result of such act is mostly pregnancy.In a related development based on the scope data 54% of the teenagers strongly believed that one main common characteristic associated with teenage pregnancy is poverty. This revelation from the respondents was in line with a study carried out Furstenberg (2007) that factors such as poverty, single parent families, especially female headed families, poorly have been associated with teenage pregnancy. Bogue (2009) maintain that in most cases teenage mothers are seen engaging themselves in all kinds of petty trading of which they believe can make life out of that to sustain themselves and their babies.Most of them are seen competing in economic activities by the road side in most developing countries selling toffees, handkerchiefs and other viable economic products. Similarly, taking into consideration the field report, 53% of the teenagers who too k part in this study noted that teenage mothers earn a living through menial jobs. Unanimously, 100% stated emphatically that familys social status can impact negatively on teenagers attitude towards early pregnancy. On the perverse Choe et. l, (2001) posited that is not always that the socio-economic condition of parents can lead teenagers into associated themselves into bad companies however, the righteousness of the matter is that there some teenagers who get all the necessary socio-economic support yet they believe in sexual experimentation which end result is often teenage pregnancy. 4. 2. 2 Peer pressure and teenage pregnancy On the contribution of peer pressure towards teenage pregnancy majority (73%) of the teenagers upon the field data said they were influenced by their influenced by their peers to engage in sex.Contributing to the responses from the teenagers, Peterson-Whyte and Zondi (2002) found that school mates exerted a lot of pressure on their peers to engage in se xual relations. Most teenagers often cite their peers as being strong influence on their behaviour. Mfono (2006) also supported the field argument explaining that peer pressure takes the form of exclusionary practices, for example sending sexual inexperienced teenagers away when having discussion concerning sexual matters. To Peterson-Whyte and Zondi (2002) most teenagers often cite their peers as being strong influence on their behaviour.Contrary to Peterson-Whyte and Zondi (2002) study on teenage and their friends 91% of the teenagers used in this study said based on what they have been through in the hands of friends they are no more comfortable with their peers. Analytically, the field study established that 71% of the teenagers said sexual experimentation led to their pregnancy. To add to this, Rozakis (2003) believed that many teens are pushed by their friends into doing something they are not ready for and really do not understand that peer pressure can be very and persuasive force for sexual relations during adolescent.Guggino and Ponzetti (2007) also argued that teenagers that do not engage in sex tend to have friends who cal also abstain. Those that are sexually active tend to have their friends who are also sexually active. The field data added that peer operates in diverse ways. Base on that score, greater part (55%) of the teenagers said peers do operate by sharing information. The ideas of the teenagers was in direct correspondence with Moore and Roseenthal (2003) findings that teenagers operate through sharing of information , which can serve as a guide in decision making about sex.They also added prevailing attitudes about sexuality as one other way that peers do carry out their actives. 4. 2. 3 Impact of mass media on teenagers The teenagers that took part in this study believed that the mass media play a leading on issues concerning teenagers. Accordingly 64% of the teenagers said the mass media can help teenagers overcome their plight throug h educative programmes. Supportively, Gupta and Leite (2009) were of the view that the mass media play an important role in promoting social attitudes about fertility and reproductive behaviours.It can be assumed that women are used to exposure of the mass media are likely to understand the risk of teenage motherhood and as a result they tend to delay their pregnancies. On the contrary, Moore and Rosenthal (2003) also explained that TV, films and other forms of media have removed a lot of the mystery surrounding sex by increasingly explicit portrayed of sex acts, which can provide model of sexual behaviour. The stereotypic portrayals often do not provide positive role models with hedonistic values rather than responsibility being promoted.For MacCabe (2005), the mdias message is that teenagers should be sexually experienced. However, 77% of the respondents disclosed that the effect of the mass media on teenagers is very bad. Adding to this, Devenish et al. , (2002) agreed that the m edia also portrays sex as fun and exciting. To Bezuidenhout (2004) sexuality arousing material, whether it is on film, in print or set to music, is freely available to teenagers and such information if often presented out of context of the prescribed sexual norms of society.Majority (55%) of the teenagers believed that doing away with obscene programmes is one major way the mass media can help overcome teenage pregnancy. Additionally, 45% of them explained that developing education oriented programme for teenagers is also one other way the mass media can contribute towards the crusade against teenage pregnancy. Correspondingly, Schultz (2004) in an empirical study, suggested that sex educators, social workers other helping professionals and parents should work together with the mass media to counteract distortions that affect adolescents sexual growth.Empirically it was realized with 64% responses from the field that one major role of parents in the fight against teenage pregnancy i s by providing the needs of their children. This attests to the fact that the crusade against teenage pregnancy should be seen as a shared responsibility. Section D Effects Teenage Pregnancy The nurses used in this study mentioned low infant birth weight, high infant mortality, and high maternal mortality as some of the health complications associated with teenage pregnancy. Meanwhile, 40% been the majority percentage believed that in most cases teenage pregnancy can lead to low infant birth weight.In a medical literature Macleod (2009) also mentioned obstetric problems such high infant and maternal mortality, risks of clandestine abortions, delivery complications and low infant birth weights as some of the leading medical challenges associated with teenage pregnancy Inferring to the field data realistic percentage of the nurses (50%) of the nurses noted that one of the problems that teenage mothers go through is stigmatization. In line with the nurses view Hudson and Ineichen, (200 1) posited that some young mothers do not get support from their families.They may be rejected by their families and blamed for introducing permanent crisis. Form health point of view 80% of the nurses said teenage babies have poor nutrition due to the unfortunate state of their mothers. Substantiating the argument made by the nurses, Boulting (2006) was of the view that poor socio-economic background of most teenage mothers correlate with most teenage babies not getting nutritious foods. In the end majority ( 60%) of the nurses used in this study said the most reliable way for teenagers to protect themselves against teenage pregnancy is through self-denial.CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5. 1 This chapter takes a critical look at summary, conclusion and recommendations. They were all based on the findings of the study. 5. 2 Conclusion The study sought assesses the factors that influence teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality. There is growing op inions teenage pregnancy has contrary effects on the social lives of moved(p) teenagers. Upon that score, the researcher realized the need to carry out this study. The sample size for the study was 120. Convenience sampling techniques was used to select the respondents for the study.Also, questioner was the instruments used for the study. 5. 2. 1 Socio-economic status of teenage mothers The outcome of this study helped to realize that the socio-economic status of teenage mothers is very poor. This showed clearly that teenage pregnancy per this study is mostly characterized with poverty. In view of that affected teenagers thrived to earn a living by engaging themselves menial jobs. In sum, this study made it known that socio-economic status of families can sometimes have negative effect on the lives of teenagers.In the situation of Sunyani Zongo community the study realized that most of the families are vulnerable and such has been a precipitating tool to their children engaging t hemselves in sexual related relationships in anticipation of getting moneys for their needs. 5. 2. 3 Peer pressure and teenage pregnancy As it has already been confirmed by most renowned teenage advocates, this study conclusively revealed that in most cases teenagers in their quest to experiment are influenced by their peers to engage in sex and through continue experimentation most of them become pregnant.Even though there are numerous practical ways in which teenagers operate, this study showed that the major operation tenet of teenagers is sharing of information. 5. 2. 4 Impact of mass media on teenagers It was established by the teenagers used in this study that the mass media has contributed massively to the woes of most teenagers, particularly on the issue of pregnancy.This is due to the fact that in most cases some teenagers develop the idea of early sex from TV/radio programs, however the teenagers were of the view that the mass media can help overcome teenage pregnancy by eschewing obscene programs and also through the de