THE PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN THE PHILIPPINES OF

THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE LAGUNA BELAIR SCIENCE

SCHOOL

A Research Paper Submitted to

Mr. Benjamin C. Decena Jr.

Laguna BelAir Science School

City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in Science Research 10

By

Aeron Gabriel C. Reyes

Angelina Julia I. Bautista

Lorenz Leirolf P. Mangahis

April 11, 2018

 ABSTRACT

The study aimed to explore teenagers’ perceptions towards teenage pregnancy and the

factors that affect the students’ decision about premarital sex. The findings of the study will help

in establishing how teenage pregnancy can be managed and controlled in the best way possible.

The study focuses on the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy of the Senior High School

students of the Laguna BelAir Science School. Data have been collected through giving

questionnaires to the Senior High School students of the Laguna BelAir Science School. The

results of the study shown that most of the Senior High School students’ reaction whenever they

encounter a pregnant teenager are either they won’t mind the person or they would support her.

The results of the study had also shown that sexual pressure or desire is one of the key factors

which affects the student’s decision about premarital sex. Based on the findings, it’s suggested to

conduct the study to other schools or institutions, include the students in other grade levels in the

study, and to group the samples by age, gender, and grade level to identify if there are differences

among their perception towards teenage pregnancy.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researchers would like to thank Mr. Benjamin C. Decena, Jr. for guiding them all

throughout their study. They would like to thank the Library and Learning Resource Center of

the Laguna BelAir Science School for helping us in printing our papers. They would like to show

their gratitude towards the Senior High School students of the Laguna BelAir Science School for

helping them. Lastly, they would like to thank their parents, siblings, and the rest of their family

for being supportive all throughout their study.

 CHAPTER 1

A. INTRODUCTION

Teenage pregnancy is one of the contemporary issues that our country is facing today.

Adolescents are the ones at fault. They are not the only victim, but also their child and family

members. It risks our economy’s vulnerability. It is highly inclined with premarital sex that led to

a communal, family, and personal problem rolled into one. It arises many questions that are left

unanswered. (as cited in Manahan et al.,2012)

In the Philippines, several groups have conducted surveys among Filipino communities, and

according to the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, “One in Ten

Young Filipino Women Age 15 to 19 Is Already a Mother or Pregnant with First Child”.

Teenagers won’t be able to provide for the child if their parents will not help them

financially. Their future will be left hanging. The won’t be able to finish their studies. They

won’t be able to find a decent job. They won’t be able to fulfill their obligations as a parent and

their child might end up like them. Teenage problems are the root that branches out many

problems faced by the society. (as cited in Manahan et al.,2012)

Teenage pregnancy has several consequences. If not dealt properly, many babies will be born so

our country will be overpopulated. It also leads to teenagers dropping out from their schools in

order for them to take care of the baby and to avoid embarrassment from what they have done.
Many of these teens die due to poverty which leads them to lack of proper medical attention. (as

cited in Manahan et al.,2012)

Teenage pregnancy is a growing problem in our country, however there are no specific laws

that address this concern. It highly depends on the couple’s decision since they are the ones

capable of making their own decision. This research is to be conducted to determine the

perceptions of senior the high school students in Laguna BelAir Science School towards teenage

pregnancy in the Philippines. The objective of conducting this study is to help raise awareness

towards teenage pregnancy among the Senior High School students.

B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The overall purpose of the study is to determine the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy

in the Philippines of Laguna BelAir Science School Senior High School students. Specifically, it

seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What will the Senior High School students’ reaction be if they encounter a pregnant

teenager?

2. What are the factors that affect the student’s decisions about premarital sex?
C. HYPOTHESIS

1. The Senior High School students are not in favor of Teenage Pregnancy in the

Philippines.

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study aims to explore teenagers’ perceptions towards teenage pregnancy and the factors

that affect students’ decisions about premarital sex. The findings of the study help in establishing

how best teenage pregnancy can be managed and controlled from the teenagers’ perspective.

To the students. This will help them because it will give them information about the factors that

may affect the student’s decisions about premarital sex. This will help them become aware.

To the researchers. The results of the study will be a great help to future researchers to know

more about teenage pregnancy on their educational development.

To the parents. The study will benefit the parents to help them realize their role in educating

their children, protecting and diverting them from engaging in premarital sex. They must be

aware too of what factors may affect the student’s decision in engaging in premarital sex.
To the teachers. This study will benefit the teachers for they could be informed about how

important sexual education and development of children to manhood is. This enables them to

guide and identify the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy of the students.

To the school administrators. This study will benefit the school administrators. It would

provide them information of the importance of knowing the major factors behind early

pregnancy. It’ll make them promote sex education in their school.

To the community. This study will also benefit the community for they would know what really

is going on regarding this issue and how the students think about it. It will enable them to help

those teenagers that are experiencing teenage pregnancy.

E. SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study focuses on the perceptions on teenage pregnancy of the Senior High School

(Grades 11&12) students of Laguna BelAir Science School for S.Y. 2017-2018. In this study, the

students’ perceptions refer to evaluated belief which predispose the individual to respond in a

preferential way, that is, to react positively or negatively to teenage pregnancy. This study aims

to acquire the perceptions through survey. Out of school youth, Junior High School students, and

students below 15 years old will not be included in this study as such their opinions are not

reflected in this study. This is a limitation for this study as out of school youth are an important

demographic for teenagers. Specifically, the perceptions referred in this research were responses

of Senior High School students, that is either positive or negative towards teenage pregnancy in

the Philippines.
F. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Adolescents – any person ages 13-19 and can be considered the transitional stage

from childhood to adulthood.

2. Perceptions – An insight or point of knowledge, and an interpretation or impression;

an opinion or belief.

3. Pre-marital sex – Sexual activity practiced by people before they get married

4. Senior High School Students- This will refer to any student who is enrolled at school

that caters for grade eleven to grade twelve level of education.

5. Sexual Education – High quality teaching and learning about a broad variety of

topics related to sex and sexuality, exploring values and beliefs about those topics and

gaining skills that are needed to navigate relationships and manage one’s own sexual

health.

6. Teenage Pregnancy – Teenage Pregnancy is defined as a teenage girl, usually within

the ages 13-19, becoming pregnant.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

I. TEENAGE PREGNANCY

“One in ten young Filipino women age 15-19 has begun childbearing: 8 percent are already

mothers and another 2 percent are pregnant with their first child”( National Demographic and

Health Survey [NDHS], 2013). Cagayan Valley or Region 2 has the highest number of Teenage

pregnancies in the Philippines ages 15-19 years old(“Cagayan Valley has highest teenage

pregnancy rate” 2013). “The situation on teenage pregnancy is alarming as today’s adolescents

and young people pre-maturely experience critical and defining life events such as sex,

pregnancy and parenthood”(Marcelino, 2013).

The situation of Teenage pregnancy in the Philippines is worsening, cases of it are increasing

in a steady phase. Teenage pregnancy deeply affects the young mother and also her child.Evident

to the worsening situation of Teenage pregnancy in the country, The Philippines has the highest

number of cases in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (World Vision Development

Foundation[WVDF], 2017). Twenty –four babies are being born by teenage moms every hour.

(Philippine StatisticalAuthority[PSA],2014).

Not less than 5 teenagers ages 10-14 years old become pregnant or give birth according

to the Commission on Population (PopCom) Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III (2017)
“They saw in recent years a rise in the number of teenage pregnancies in the country from 1,700

cases in 2014 to 1,986 cases in 2015”.

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012, also known as

Reproductive Health Bill undertakes full access to contraception, maternal control, and sexual

education. (Republic act no. 10354 – Responsible parenthood and reproductive health act of

2012, 2013) .

According to Cabral (2013) The Reproductive Health Law shall provide reproductive

health products that shall be considered essential medicines and supplies and shall form part of

the National Drug Formulary. Their inclusion in the National Drug Formulary will enable

government to purchase contraceptives and not merely rely on unpredictable donations and RH

education shall be taught by adequately trained teachers in an age-appropriate manner.

According to Baraquel (2017) The Senate Bill No. 1482 is an act providing for a national

policy in preventing teenage pregnancies, institutionalizing social protection for teenage parents

and providing funds therefor. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building

and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.

It shall include in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in

public and civic affairs. The United Nations Population Fund, on the other hand, stressed that

teenage pregnancy, among others, undermines girls' rights health, rights and opportunities.

UNFPA's State of World Population 2016 report shows that empowering today's 10-year-old

girls could yield huge demographic and economic dividends and build better societies.

According to JNFPA, teenage pregnancy limits far too many girls' hopes, dreams and aspirations.

It also costs the country around P33 billion each year in foregone earnings.
 According to the report, girls who reach adulthood with an education and their health and

rights intact could triple their lifetime incomes, thereby fuelling progress for generations and

entire nations. By ensuring girls' right to education, including age appropriate comprehensive

sexuality education and access to youth friendly sexual and reproductive health Services and

advice, the country could improve the lives of hundreds of thousands, reap long term gains, and

help ensure the success of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In view of the foregoing

circumstances, there is a need to establish a national policy in preventing teenage pregnancies

and institutionalize social protection for teenage parents.

According to Kaphagawani and Kalipeni (2016) “ Among the prominent factors that

stood out in the analysis for this high rate of teenage pregnancy were early sex and marriage, low

contraceptive use, low educational levels, low socio-economic status, lack of knowledge of

reproductive and sexual health, gender inequity, and physical/sexual violence.”.

“Women who gave birth as teens may come from fundamentally different backgrounds

(and have different traits) than those who do not give birth as teens.”.(Punongbayan, 2014)

“Findings show that young women’s motivations for sexual relationships are mostly

‘beyond love’ and seem to focus on economic factors.”.(Krugu, Mevissen, & Ruiter, 2016) .

“The critical thinking of adolescents is low meaning that schools should be aware while

protecting them at school.”.[ CITATION Cal17 \l 1033 ]

“Six out of the eight teenagers wanted more frequent sex education and easier, cheap

access to contraception.”.[ CITATION MWe \l 1033 ]

 “Teenagers often feel pressure to make friends and fit in with their peers”.(Langham,

2015)

Aragones (2017) stated that “Ten percent of our country’s population is composed of girls

aged 15-19; of these 10 million girls, one in 10 get pregnant — that’s one million teenagers who

must deal with the difficult realities of raising a child.

“More than 18,400 women between the ages of 15-19 had two children, another 2,800

had three and an estimated 300 had four children”(Santos,2017).

teenagers who get pregnant below 16 years of age are more likely to die from child birth. This

happens because the mother and the baby are not screened well or didn’t undergo pre-natal care

checkup.(“Tacio”, 2017)

Poverty is one of the major effects of Teenage Pregnancy, it has a huge impact on the

health of pregnant mothers including inadequate nutrition due to poor eating habits during the

stage of pregnancy, Teenage moms have a high risk of getting sexually-transmitted diseases such

as HIV and AIDS and are also at risk of eclampsia which can later lead to maternal death.There

is no soure of stable income and most probably face will face grater financial problems in the

future for teenage mothers likely because they are drop outs and are less likely to go back to

schools or take skills programs, “Alarmingly, while maternal deaths are decreasing in the

Philippines, teenage maternal deaths are increasing.Ten percent of pregnant teenagers died in the

last year, according to the PSA. Data from the WHO also show a high and increasing incidence

of fetal death in Filipino mothers under 20”(Van Der Hor,2014).

Casiple(2017) stated that:

 Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school dropout rates among girls.

Only about 50% of teenage mothers receive a high school diploma by 22 years of age.

Furthermore, the children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower school achievement

and to drop out of high school and have more health problems and poor performance in

school,Teenage pregnancy has great effect to teenage mothers. The great majority of teenage

pregnancies are unintended as it ended in abortion. Overall assessment showed that, as of 2011,

twenty six percent (26%) of teenage pregnancies ended in abortion.

According to “Teenage Pregnancy Issues and Challenges,” (n.d.) Women are able to give

birth as soon as they begin menstruating, there are some possible risks when you have a child

early on in your teen years. These things are not guaranteed to happen, but it is a good idea to

talk to your doctor about your reproductive health to know about any concerning signs or

symptoms for your body. Some of the few risks that are greater if you are pregnant before the

age of 15 or you do not seek prenatal care are: low birth weight/premature birth, anemia (low

iron levels), high blood pressure/pregnancy induced hypertension, PIH (can lead to preeclamps),

and higher rate of infant mortality (death).

II. LAGUNA BELAIR SCIENCE SCHOOL

Laguna BelAir Science School is a special private school focusing on science,

mathematics and technology. Classes began on June 9, 1997 in a modern two-story building

inside the exclusive Laguna BelAir Subdivision. Empire East Landholdings Inc., a real estate

developer providing housing for all income levels, built both the school and the residential
houses in the community(n.d.). They have a total of is 54 grade 11 students and 68 grade 12

students.

III. ANALYSIS

The related studies and literature are relevant to the study of teenage pregnancy. It helps

define what Teenage pregnancy is and what laws and bills are highly related to the problem like

the Reproductive Health act. The related literature and studies also help in giving the primary

background for the major causes of teenage pregnancy in the country, it also determine its effects

in terms of poverty, health problems, and rate of drop-out students. This information gathered

from the related literature and studies will help the population of senior high school students in

Laguna BelAir Science School understand the study better as for the researchers, it will help

improve the study.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discussed the systematic methods applied in the field of study. It includes the

structure and direction of the research to ensure that the problem is properly addressed.

Organized and specific procedures in data collection are also presented.

A. Kind of Research
Descriptive research was used in this study. This refers to a kind of research in

which researchers describe the characteristics and behaviors of a population or

phenomenon. It is focused in answering the question “what is” or what exists in the

population. The researchers want to determine what is the perceptions of Senior High

School students of Laguna BelAir Science School towards Teenage Pregnancy in the

Philippines.
B. Research Design
Descriptive-survey was used in this study. This is useful in providing facts about

the perceptions of Senior High School students of Laguna BelAir Science School towards

Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines with the aid of a questionnaire as a primary

research instrument. Stratified random sampling was used in the study where the

population of Senior High School students of Laguna Bel Air Science School is grouped

according to grade level and section. Sample survey was utilized by the researchers. This

is a type of survey where only a representative portion of the population will be included

in the study.
C. Flow Chart of Research

D. Materials and Methods

Preparation of Questionnaire

The researchers formulated questions of inquiry to gather related information on

the perceptions of Senior High School students of Laguna BelAir Science School towards

Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines. The questions were based on the specific problems

stated in the introduction of the study which seeks to answer those questions using a

questionnaire.

Identification of samples in a population

 The sample population of the study were 92 respondents, 18 were from Leibniz,

19 from Faraday, 14 from Nash, 30 from Curie. The samples obtained in the study were

from the Senior High School students of Laguna Bel Air Science School. The number of

students was attained from the School Registrar. The sample of students were randomly

chosen using stratified random sampling.

Administration of the survey

The researchers used stratified random sampling as a sampling technique. The

researchers utilized the use of a sample survey where the researchers will get samples

from the population of Senior High School students of Laguna Bel Air Science School

according to their section and grade level. This will determine the respondents for the

study. The researchers asked a representative from each section to distribute the survey

and the return the answered survey at the end of the day. The survey was conducted

within 1 day.

Tabulation of the results

A simple tally sheet was used in tabulating the results of the survey. This is useful

for tabulating the information gathered from the questionnaires. The researchers

organized the results into different tables and graphs which helped them formulate

different interpretations related in the study.

Interpretation of results
The researchers interpreted the results of the study through the analysis of the

formulated bar graph and a pie graph. The bar graph presented the data in different levels

according to categories which helped the researches evaluate the results of the study. The

pie graph presented the data gathered from the survey in percentages. This helped the

researchers see different comparisons of data.

 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF THE STUDY

This chapter discussed the summary of data and interpretation of the obtained results in the

study on the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy in the Philippines of the Senior High School

Students in Laguna BelAir Science School (LBASS).

A. Results and Discussion

This study investigated the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy in the Philippines of the

Senior High School students in Laguna BelAir Science School and these data were gathered

from a total population of 92 Senior High School students in Laguna BelAir Science School but

there were only 85 respondents due to some instances.

14.46%
2.41% Pity the victim Talk to her and suggest a
counselor
33.73%
15.66% Avoid the victim Support the victim
I won't mind the victim Her parents don't take care of
her properly
Others

33.73%

1. What

will the Senior High School students’ reaction be if they encounter a pregnant teenager?
Figure 4.1. Number of Response of the Senior High School students in Laguna BelAir Science

School on their reaction if they encounter a pregnant teenager.

In Figure 4.1., the number of response of Senior High School students in Laguna Bel Air

Science School on their reaction if they encounter a pregnant teenager were presented. It was

shown that most of the students won’t mind the victim of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines

with a total of 28 responses. It was tied with the students supporting the teenager with a total of

28 responses as well. It was followed by 13 students who responded that they will talk to the

teenager and suggest a counsellor. Next was the students who pities the victim of teenage

pregnancy with a total of 12 responses. Next was the students who wrote their own answer. One

will encourage her to be independent then, the other said that he is in no position to judge her.

Lastly, there were no students who responded that they will avoid nor will blame the victim’s

parents

2. What are the factors that affect the student’s decisions about premarital sex?
 12.68%

4.23% Influence of Alcohol and

27.46% Drugs
16.20% Lack of Parental Guidance
Lack of Sexual Education in
schools
Peer Pressure
Sexual Abuse or Rape
Sexual Pressure
11.27% Others
9.15%

19.01%

Figure 4.2. Number of Response of the Senior High students in Laguna BelAir Science

School on the factors that affect the student’s decisions about premarital sex in the

Philippines.

In Figure 4.2., the number of response of the Senior High students in Laguna BelAir

Science School on the factors that affect the student’s decisions about premarital sex in the

Philippines were presented. It was shown that most common factor that affects the student’s

decision about premarital sex is sexual pressure with 39 respondents. It was followed by peer

pressure with 27 respondents. Next was the lack of parental guidance with 23 respondents

followed by the influence of alcohol and drugs with 18 respondents. Next was the lack of sexual

education then followed by rape or sexual abuse with 13 respondents. Lastly 6 respondents

responded others. Among the 6 respondents who answered others 2 responded it was the victims’

personal choice, 2 responded it was the result of curiosity, 1 responded it was because of social

media, 1 responded the victim was pressured by their boyfriend or girlfriend. 1 responded don’t

know.
 CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the conclusion drawn and recommendations made based on the

study on the perceptions towards teenage pregnancy in the Philippines of the Senior High School

Students in Laguna Bel Air Science School (LBASS).

A. Conclusion

The results of the study shown that most of the Senior High School students’ reaction

upon encountering a pregnant teenager are either they won’t mind the victim or they

would support the victim both having 34% of the sample population’s response. Other

reactions gathered from the Senior High School students where either pity the victim, talk

to the victim and suggest a counselor, or avoid the victim.

The results of the study had also shown that sexual pressure or desire is one of the

key factors which affects the student’s decision about premarital sex having 28% of the

sample population. Other key factors may include peer pressure with 19% of the sample

population and lack of parental guidance with 16% of the sample population.

B. Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the following recommendations

are suggested:
1. Group the samples by age, gender, and grade level to identify if there are

differences among their perception towards teenage pregnancy.

2. Conduct the study in other schools and institutions.
3. Other grade levels of LBASS are suggested to also be included in the study.
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 APPENDICES

Initial Questionnaire Final Questionnaire

Identification of Samples Administration of Survey

Tabulation of Results