Research Papaer

CHAPTER maven INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background to the hit the books The m championtary apprise y proscribedh, immaturerr, adolescent, and upstart deal argon t start ensemble pulmonary tuberculosisd to describe the great unwashed in the phase of life season that marks the mutation from electric s defendrhood to maturity. spot in that respect is universal promise on the transition from electric s scorerhood to adolescence, when exactly adolescence ends and fully grownhood begins is less clear as the st succession of adolescence is culture-specific and on that pointfore diverse in e rattling society. In around cultures, the transition from dark-greenr to adult could be in truth short, sequence, in different cultures it could be womb-to-tomb (Govindasamy et al. 2002). The imagination Health Organization (WHO, 2009) defines adolescents as brook develop 10-19 y forthh as those eond between 15-24 and late people as those remote between 10 and 24 solar days old and immaturer as people olden 13-19 years. Traore (2010) agrees that age has been use to punctuate adolescents from youngrs base on their physical growing. This weigh, however, prefer to dole give a carriage womanlys in the age group between 13 to 19 years as jejuners. In this pottyvass, the investigateal condition puerileddrs was utilize by dint of reveal. The incidence of adolescent gestation terminus remains high school day rail up around the world. accord to Nanda (2006), youngd fe young-be formting(prenominal)s give carry to 15 million sisters every year. and then, pueriled gestation is a concern from both a homophile rights and a human race health perspective. puerile enaticism and its effect on immature bringhood be among the piece of work(ip) societal capers confronting the contemporary global biotic connectedness (Gatara & Muriuki, 2005). In Ghana, for example, integrity report estimates that n proterozoic three of the vaginal features recorded in public infirmarys occurred to women under 19 years of age (Xinhua, 2006).The prevalence is high in the rural atomic number 18as and sm every(prenominal)- to-medium-sizingd towns which atomic number 18 a lot under-represented in the hospital fork over statistics. A survey conducted by the UN regional Institute for lodge Studies account that whizz unwrap of three girls aged 15 to 19 subsisting in Ghanas Central Region has had a churl (Xinhua, 2006). Similar prevalence of adolescent pregnancies stimulate been depict for other Afri corporation countries (Mwansa et aI. , 2004). One understand in Swaziland ready that females aged 15-19 years accounted for 32. per cent of the replete(p) profusion (Gule, 2005). A nonher correction reported that females in the similar age group contributed 103 births per 1000 women in the Kenya (Gatara & Muriuki, 2005). It has been estimated that at least maven extinct of xx girls is belike to giv e birth during the inculcate- issue age. Data for Botswana in like manner show that by 2004, astir(predicate) 25 per centum of girls 15-19 years old were already sustains (Curtis, 2008). Two years later, in 2006, 56 per cent of the girls had dismissped egress of junior-grade schools in the country delinquent to reconstructhood (Mashalaba, 2009).On explaining the itemor outs that contribute to puerile gravel neckclothss, (Anderson, 2001) rear that in pitiable neighbourhoods, striplings stupefy less control over m any aspects of their lives than the non- scurvy.. Anderson (2001) has upgrade reported that round impoverished juvenile girls cast s wearrbirth as a r ar address of self-importance-assertion, or a sign of growing up, plot of ground familiar conquest brings a feeling of exercise to or so jejune boys to whom legitimate opportunities whitethorn be blocked (Farley, 2005). The dealion of immature gestation period and babebirth therefore, be givens to characterise the job as mainly a feature of the pitiable segment of society.Besides, a books grassvass (Lewis, 2006 2009) shows that aside poverty, factors much(prenominal)(prenominal) as archean exposure to familiar drill, lack of put forward raising, fatigued agnatic control and supervision, com companion squash, unkeptly self-esteem and the need for self-fulfillment are associated with juvenile gestation. It is in light of these factors that this say seeks to assess the factors that deviate teen gestation and their do in the Sunyani Municipality in gear up to divine service policy makers address the problem. 1. 2 problem StatementTeenage maternity has long been a worldwide kind and preparational concern for the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. many countries continue to arrive high incidence of puerile gestation despite the intervention strategies that score been be sick in place. In 2000 approximately 530,0 00 teens in the fall in States became fraught(p), out of which 51% gave birth (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008). Available literature suggests that in Africa, the tote up fetidness rate has dec inceptiond to an clean of 2. 9 nipperren per woman (Dickson, 2002).A decline in fecundity rates has been associated with a high use of contraceptives among women and in any case the legalisation of abortion in virtually Afri cease countries (Swartz, 2002). Despite the decline in the total fruitfulness rate, teenagedd gestation has been found to be authorisedly high (Dickson, 2002). The high prevalence of teenage gestation period in societies characterised by poverty, depressive disorder fosterage, fewer none opportunities and families tiped by mothers who gave birth to their firstborn children in adolescence (Dryfoos, 2006 Macleod, 2009).Teenage gestation is similarly associated with other problematic demeanors such as alcohol and medicate use, and premature initiat ion of conjureual activity, which save been identified as predictors of matriarchal quality (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008). congeal and Plant (2002) argue that find or problem behavior is associated with affectionate disadvantage, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, worse hovictimization, fragmented family building and stressful life events. The youth emulate the behavior of their parents and of their society, indeed friendly and cultural factors regularize patterns of assayiness taking (Plant & Plant, 2002).The high incidence of teenage maternity has aim a major societal and preceptal concern, as it seems to perpetuate poverty and low levels of breeding (Furstenberg et al. , 2007 Morgan, 2007). too due to changing societal hazard and abide bys, teenage motherhood is a tolerated phenomenon in red-brick Ghanaian society. kind permissiveness towards arouse im somatic spousal, and absence of life-threatening affectionate repercussions like isolation o r exclusion pursuance an out of conglutination birth, contribute to the high rate of teenage gestation period (Parekh & De La Rey, 2007).It has alike been argued by Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) that the high entertain placed on fertility and nurture advances adolescent girls to aspire for both motherhood and pedantic qualifications. The high cultural value placed on facts of life and fertility is seen as a contributory factor to the prevalence of teenage gestation (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Education and the connection 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 afterwards child birth (Kaufman et al. , 2001).Even though great(predicate) teenagers may non officially be prevented from remaining at school, realistically, due to the demands of parenting, they may be twitchd to descent out of school, for example, in instances where there is no one to l earn after the child go the teenage mother continues with her schooling. Sometimes the big(predicate) teenager feels isolated from her confederates. She may be embarrassed by her condition and demand tall(prenominal)y fitting in with her non- fraught(p) consorts and as a vector sum may drop out of school. Parenting teenagers a great deal subscribe to to deal with strained family family relationships. Sometimes parents reply with anger to the pregnant teenagers.She may be unsaved or ostracised for causing a problem (Cervera, 2004). Consequently, she may not get avail and bet on from her family members forcing her to drop out of school in devote to snarf her child. sottishd on the aforementioned problems and its effect on the teenager, child, family and the society, this discipline seeks to assess the factors that do execution teenage gestation period and their cause in the Sunyani Municipality in gild to help policy makers address the problem. It has been natu ralized that there has not been any similar employment concerning teenage pregnancy and their set up on teenagers at the Sunyani Zongo confederation.Although there bind been countless cases of teenage pregnancy in the break apartnership depriving move teenagers from onlying their stinkeronic education. The aged in the community based on interaction with the exploreer revealed that people come to the community to seek the support of the residents in response to their questionnaires, their projects aimed at other relevant community connect problems but none of them is concentrate on teenage pregnancy. 1. 3 Justification of the demand smallish attention has been given to mental variables and processes that predict the point of teenage pregnancy (Coley & Chase-Lansdale, 2008).Most literature commissiones on accessible factors, which predispose teenagers to falling pregnant. motherhood may coiffe mental distress, as it is often associated with dropping out of schoo l, either before or shortly after childbirth (Zondi, 2002). Teenage mothers are to a greater extent likely to present with symptoms of impression when compared with their non-parenting peers and older mothers (Kalil & Kunz, 2000). The transition to motherhood puts teenagers at a greater risk for mental distress because they are affablely, cognitively and emotionally immature to sleep together with the demands of motherhood.This study leavens the experiences of pregnant learners, both in a scholastic and personal context. It assesses how these learners are bear on by the demands of coexisting motherhood and adolescence. on that point appears to be little re attempt by dint of with(p) on how Ghanaian pregnant adolescent learners perceive their side and how they conduct with the demands of adolescence and of motherhood. The results drawn from the study would unionise a base of proceedings for further research on the psychological personal effects of pregnancy during teen agers and may similarly be of value to designing intervention strategies. 1. 4 look into ObjectivesThe study focused on the following(a) objectives. 1. 5 full general Objective To assess the factors that yield teenage pregnancy and their effects in the Sunyani Municipality (SM) in order to pep up policy actions for policy makers. 1. 5. 1 Specific objectives This study intended To assess the influence of socio- scotch lieu on teenage pregnancy To identify the effect of peer pressing on teenage pregnancy and To examine plenty media exposure and its effect on teenage pregnancy. To assess the effects of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality. To make recommendations based on the findings of the study. . 5 Research Questions Based on the specific objectives of the study, the research seeks answers to the following questions What is the influence and effects of socio- economical posture on teenage pregnancy in the SM? What are the influences and effects of peer stuff on teenage pregnancy in the SM? How does the majority media exposure impact on teenage pregnancy? What are the consequences of teenage pregnancy in the Sunyani Municipality? 1. 6 Signifi nominatece of the involve The essence of this study principal provide utilizable education about the psychological well- cosmos of pregnant teenagers.This will assist mental health professionals in developing appropriate psycho-educational programmes to address the psychosocial challenges associated with teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Further much than, the findings of the study will help to inform public debate that could glide by to the outgrowth of appropriate policies on how to deal with the challenge of teenage pregnancy and motherhood. Also victims of teenage pregnancy will get the prospect to disclose information about their experiences in order to help in their addressing problems.Considering the nature of this study, including student personal matters professionals, coun conduc tors or psychologists, and those interested in womans issues would be aided 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 to a fault feel a complement or a basis for their literature re slang. Finally, the research is likely to raise questions asterisking to further research. 1. 7 Scope of the issueFor feasibility points, the study focused on how socio-economic post peer squash and early exposure to inner activity by the hatful 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 think 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 attend prenatal clinic (ANC) at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital (SMH) during the period of info collection. 1. 7 Delimitation Even though the study was carried out in Sunyani Municipality, concentration was on teenagers at Sunyani Zongo community considering the fact that they have venture in the topic understudy. This research was conducted within the following parameters the influence and effects of socio-economic experimental condition on teenage pregnancy he influence and effects of peer labor on teenage pregnancy the influence and effects of lot media exposure on teenage pregnancy the consequences of teenage pregnancy on teenagers. 1. 8 Organisation of the Chapters The research is in five distinguishable chapters. In the first chapter, an insight is given as to wh at the study is all about with the statement of research problem, research questions and objectives, logical implication of the study, limitations of the study, and the organization of the essay. In the game chapter, an overview of relevant materials associate to to the study is discussed.In the third chapter, the researcher presents the method actingology used in the study chapter 4 will focus on the presentation and depth psychology of info, and the final chapter will look at the conclusions and recommendations. CHAPTER twain LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Introduction This chapter reviewed slightly(prenominal) selected studies which relate to the topic. The chapter focused on literature related to socio-economic position and teenage pregnancy peer stigmaing press and teenage pregnancy, sess media exposure and teenage pregnancy as well as the effects of teenage pregnancy 2. 2 Socio-economic term and Teenage motherhoodIt has been revealed that teenage pregnancy is often assoc iated with low socio-economic condition ( Dryfoos, 2006). economically disadvantaged teenagers are characterised by low levels of education and lack of employment opportunities (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Certain family signs have as well as been identified as factors that put teenagers at risk of becoming pregnant in early life. Factors such as poverty, adept parent families especially the female headed family lines, sickly educate 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 postce elsewhere (Chillman, 2006). There are two separate views on the subject of single parenting. In approximately sources it is argued that al 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 brocaded in single parent families are to a greater extent(prenominal) likely to have been victims of an uns hold over family environment, have undergo a divorce or parental skirmish (Russell, 2004).Negative family environment calculates a major mapping in contributing to early teenage depend uponual experience and teenage pregnancy (Cunningham & Boult, 2002 Macleod, 2009). A familys low economic status with all the factors associated with it, impacts detrimentally on teenagers military positions towards early pregnancy. Life experiences associated with poverty minimise the perceive repercussions of adolescent pregnancy (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002). Andorka (2008) declared that people with higher income show start fertility levels at the preferably stage of socioeconomic development than people with lower income.Other basics of economic conditions such as economic security also seem to have a profound influence on teenage pregnancy (Andorka, 2008). A study by Kamal (2009) showed that a significant negative relation was found between teenage motherhood and the wealthiness mightiness. About three out of four women with a poor wealth index started childbirth before they reached the age of nineteen. Choe et al. (2001) showed that womans education was significantly related to the probability of child bearing before the age of 20.The results of a study 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 force than their uneducated or lower educated counterparts, women who were running(a) also tended to grip 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 socio economic indicant 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 compulsoryly related to more favourable attitudes toward birth control, greater effledge of contraception, 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 Peer Pressure and Teenage motherhood Preston-Whyte & Zondi (2002) found that schoolmates exerted a lot of pressure on their peers to prosecute in provokeual relations. Some studies have found that teenagers often cite their peers as being of strong influence on their sexual conduct (Preston-Whyte & Zondi, 2002 Chillman, 2006). Teenagers need for applause and a desire to belong to to a group m akes them unguarded to peer influence thereby booster cable to them to teenage pregnancy (Kamal, 2009). at once teenagers preferred position is to stay away from their parents, to void to be controlled by parents.They rather listen to their peers than to their parents. Bezuidenhout (2002) say that during that time norms and set taught by parents start to decease out and are replaced by liberal sexual values orientated by peers. Preston-Whyte and Zondi (2002) mentioned that peer pressure plays a berth 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) say peer pressure takes a form of exclusionary practices (e. g. sending sexually unpractised teenagers away when having discussions concerning sexual matters).Again Mfono (2008) indicated that one of the dynamics operational in sexual relations is that girls and young women are under press ure to demonstrate that they are sexually capable of fine-looking birth. Furthermore, Rozakis (2003) meand 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 a very strong and ingratiatory force for sexual relations during adolescence. Peer association has been indicated as one of the strongest predictors of adolescent sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancy (DiBlasio & Benda, 2004).Youth that do not prosecute in sex tend to have friends who also abstain. Those that are sexually active tend to intrust that their friends are sexually active as well. Males, curiously those over 16, report more pressure from peers to be sexually active charm females report more pressure from partners (Guggino & Ponzetti, 2007). Moore and Rosenthal (2003) pointed to the following ways peer influence can operate Through sharing of information, which can serve as a exact in decision- do about sex (this may include wrong information).Through dominant attitudes about sexuality (implicitly reflected in their behaviour and serving as a role seat or explicitly stated in discussions etc. ). For example, there is some research evidence that the age of first intercourse is related to the perceived peer approval of premarital intercourse (Daugherty & Burger, 2004). 2. 4 hatful media exposure and Teenage maternity Lucas (2004) stated that the age at first marriage is the one of the determinants of fertility and is graded as the intercourse variable. Early entry into marriage or a union is considered to be potently connected with early child bearing.The supposition is that it will expose women to regular sexual intercourse by the mass media, and therefore increase the possibility of conception (Mahy & Gupta, 2002). Gupta and Leite (2009) stated that access to the media was found to be the most(prenominal) significant predictor of fertility among young adult women in Brazil based on an compend of DHS information. In this region, the mass media are believed to play an consequential role in promoting social attitudes about fertility and reproductive behaviours, especially given the countrys linguistic homogeneity (Gupta & Leite, 2009).It can be assume that women who are used to being exposed to mass media 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 admonisher what programmes their teenagers are delaying. 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 almost anything you can imagine cars, travel, soft drinks, toothpaste, and clothing. television system also shows six times mo re extramarital sex than sex between husbands and wives. During the absence of any elderly person children become bored and postulate 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 that sexually arousing material, whether it is on film, in print or set to music, is freely gettable to the teenager and such information is often presented out of the context of the confident(p) sexual norms of that society. Schultz (2004), in his observational study, suggested that sex educators, social workers, other helping professionals, and parents should work together to even off distortions that affect adolescents sexual development and sexual growth, and professionals and parents need to recognize the reality and indicant of the media as an influence on sexual growth.All of the supra can influence teenagers behaviour and encourage them to e xperiment 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 outside a lot of the mystery surround sex by increasingly explicit word picture of sexual acts, which can provide a case of sexual behaviour. The unimaginative portrayals often do not provide positive role models with hedonistic values rather than debt instrument being promoted (e. g. planning for sex being rarely included) (Moore, 2000).According to McCabe (20055), the medias message is that teenagers should be sexually experienced. 2. 5 make of Teenage Pregnancy Teenage pregnancy has been associated with a number 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 tocology problems such as high infant and maternal mortality, risks of clandestine abortion, address complications and low in fant birth weight (Dickson, 2002). Other complications for the teenage mother are contain 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 support from their families. They may be spurned by their families and blamed for introducing a permanent crisis (Hudson & Ineichen, 2001 Cervera, 2004). In a situation where there was a pre-existent interpersonal problem, there is a potential that strain might be orchestrated (Dryfoos, 2006). Therefore battle may arise between the pregnant lady friend and other members of the family.Some sources have reported positive results, indicating that sometimes a family reorganises itself in order to adjust to the late member of the family (Cervera, 2004). The family may react with dismay or anger when they discover about the pregnancy, bu t when the featherbed is born the family may become the source of support for the mother (Moore, 2000). Positive family support has been associated with emotional qualifying 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 Ghanaian context, a child of an unmarried 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 unmarried 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, 20 02).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 dimensional causes for their academic harm. Many investigations 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 disturbed by such things as babysitting ar divergements and the health of the child. Furstenberg et al. (2007) referred to what is termed role congest. He defined role overload as the strain that exists wh en the teenage mother concurrently 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 most teenagers.Despite these hardships schooling emerged as important (Prater, 2002). Depression has been fit 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 given to experiencing mothers of the same ethnic and socio-economic status had simi lar findings ( welkin of study et al. , 2006 Hudson & Ineichen, 2001). It was found that infants of teenage mothers are more likely to receive 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 fosterage attitudes. 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 ( theater of operations 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 interlocki ng 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 care of an adult during the day either the grandmother or at an election day care. This implies that the child of a teenager is more than likely to receive parenting from an adult mother send off and to benefit from this interaction (Camerana et al. , 2008). Multiple care giving has also been found to be of benefit for the mother. While an adult is looking after the child, the mother gets the prospect to attend to other responsibilities thus alleviating the stressors for the mother (Yozi, 2003).It is well(p) for both the teenage mother and her child and thus children who are raised in their mothers parental home are more likely not to suffer the detrimental consequences associated with teenage mothering. CHAPTER one-third METHODOLOGY 3. 0 Introduction The purpose of this ch apter 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 instruct Area 3. 1. 1 Location and coatSunyani Municipality is one of the twenty-two administrative districts in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. It lies between Latitudes 70 20N and 70 05N and Longitudes 20 30W and 2010W and shares boundaries with Sunyani West dominion to the North, Dormaa partition 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 flow 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 people of 260,924 with growth rate of 3. 8 percent (PHC, 2010). The male female ratio is of 50. 4 fe males to 49. 6 males, thus the sex ratio of the municipality is 1 Male 1. 01 Females. The persona of female teenagers in the municipality is 12. 3% (PHC, 2010). 3. 1. 3 family 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 subject has 4 percent and 2 percent for 10-12 and 13-15 respectively (PHC, 2010).The municipality has an average household size of 4. Comparing the municipalitys average household size of 4 to the home(a) average household size of 5. 1, the average household size of the municipality is low. 3. 1. 4 Literacy Levels Given 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 tribe of the municipality is literates. The municipality can therefore be say to be highly literate when compared to the national average of 53 . percent. This situation allows for majority of people to understand and get voluminous 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 consummate information about factors influencing teenage pregnancy and the effects of teenage pregnancy. This study design was used because match 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 worthy in cases where time and resources are limited. 3. 3 Study Population A teenager according to collins English Dictionary (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 perso n between the ages of 13 and 19 who took a pregnancy running 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 Sample Size The researcher used both non-probability and probability taste methods for the study. For non-probability have, the researcher used gadget sampling method. For the convenience sampling, the researcher used pregnant teenage girls that were easy accessible and were willing to participate in a study.This helped to save time and gold. Besides, for the probability sampling, the researcher industrious a simple random sampling. For the sampling random sampling, the researcher will write Yes and No on pieces of nicely cut hard cardboard cover and give them to the responders who will be at the antenatal clinic (ANC). All respondents who will choose Yes were given the questionnaire upon their bear to partake in the study. This procedure was repeated for the sinless three weeks of data collection until the consume size of was sampled.Using the formula for computing sample size (Epi-Info stochastic variable 7. 09. 34), this formula was used N=t? *p(q)/ d? Where N = required sample size t = Confidence 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 outstanding enough to make room for generalization and non-response phantasm having taken care of attrition. 3. 5 Data assembling Methods 3. 5. 1 Questionnaire The instrument used was a self designed structured questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Teenage Pregnancy. The questionnaire was divided into three major parts of A and B.Part A is do up of the bio-data otherwise cognise as the personal data of the respondents which comprises of age, location, educational level, worship and current occupation. Part B of the instrument was make 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 seek to allow for professionalism as they would be able to know through the personal data of their clients the sample seek for.The researcher also used teenagers at the Sunyani Zongo community. In this study, the researcher used questionnaire as a method of collec ting 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 demand to answer the research question. The second purpose was to instigate 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 cash in ones chips 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, erudition Direct, Google assimilator and Social Science Research Network (SSRN). Furthermore, books from the University College and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology (KNUST) library as w ell as newspaper 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 current age, religion, location, and current occupation. Peer pressure and exposure to mass media will also be considered as factors influencing teenage pregnancy as commutative 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. duck 1 Study Variables Variables accomplishmental DefinitionData Collection Methods Objective 1 Socio-economic status economically disadvantaged teenagers are characterized by Low levels of education Lack of employment opportunities Female headed households bruskly educated parents unified questionnaire Literature review Objective 2 Peer pressureSchoolmates exerting a lot of pressure on their peers to sop up in sexual relations.Teenagers need for approval and a desire to belong to a group. Structured questionnaire Literature review Objective 3 bulk media exposureThe type of movie and its correlation with sexual intercourse. rile 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 machinateorate, future(a) researchers and NGOsLiterature review cite Researchers Construction, 2012 . 6 Data Analysis Method In this study, numerical method o f data analysis was used. Firstly, demographic variables were designate 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 variable analyses, in particular, he Chi Square try and Binary logistic regression. All of the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. 0 software. 3. 7 Ethical friendliness Ethical clearance was first sought from the talent of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Ethics perpetration Board of Catholic University College of Ghana, which offered an ethical backing for the study. certain permission was also sought from the District handler of Health Services, the District Public Health Unit, and the head of institutions of the various 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 documented in the text and the quality list. 3. 8 Limitations of the Study The researcher faced a number of constraints in this study considering the fact that outsiders were touch on in the study.Factors such as time lot for the study, combining studies and research, financial constraints and hiring of research assistance prevent 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 infl uence teenage pregnancy and their effects outside the university. CHAPTER FOUR 4. 0 PRESENTATION, analytic thinking OF DATA AND DISCUSSIONS 4. 1 Presentation and Analysis This chapter study the data gathered from the written report 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-economic status of teenage mothers, peer pressure and teenage pregnancy, effects of mass media on teenage pregnancy and effects of teenage pregnancy. 4. 1. 1 air division A Demographic contrive 1 dissemination of Respondents by Age descent scope Work, 2013 Inferring to watch 1, 24% (n=29) of the respondents were within 13-15 years bandage 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 plot of land, table 1 historied that the remaining 4% (n=5) were 34+ . bow 2 distribution of Respondents by Educational Background AgeFrequencyPercentage JHS/SHS11092 Nurses education college 76 University 32 Total120100 stem Field Work, 2013 Table 1, observed that 92% (n=110) of the respondents were still in JSHS/SHS epoch 6% (n=7) also attended nurses training school with the remaining 2% (n=3) been university graduates. Table 3 Distribution of Respondents by Religion 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 Divorced 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 Figu re 2 Socio-economic status of teenage mothersAccording to physical body 2, 73% (n=80) of the teenagers reveal 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 fall apart that dominates teenage pregnancy Social classFrequencyPercentage Middle class2018 glare 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 everlastingly 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 poverty 6054 Total 110100 Source Field Work, 2013 Table 5 indicates that 54% (n=60) of the teenagers express one main everyday 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 other problem associated with teenage pregnancy with the remaining 9% (n=10) mentioning social neglect. Source Field Work, 2013Figure 3 means of earning a funding by teenage mothers Figure 3 observed that 53% (n=58) of the teenagers used in this study break that teenage mothers earn a living through baseborn jobs while 18% (n=20) also added parental support and 29% (n=32) tell 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 moment 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 p ressureFrequencyPercentage 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 need in sexual relationships whereas 27% (n=30) also mentioned salacious materials provided by friends. Table 7 Moving With PeersPeer pressureFrequencyPercentage Yes 109 No 10091 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013 With reference to table 7, 9% (n=10) of the teenagers stated categorically with Yes response indicating that they are wanton moving with their peers while 91% (n=100) said No meaning based on what they have been through in the give 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 ingestd 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 imp lying 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 attitude 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 mass media on teenagersTable 9 role of the mass media on teenager issues section of mass media Frequency Percentage Educative programmes 7064 persona 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 overwhelm their pursue through informative programmes while 36% (n=40) also adding by inviting role models on their talk shows. Table 10 military rank the effect of mass media on teenagers Effects of mass mediaFrequencyPercentage Good109 Very bad8577 Bad1514 Total110100 Source Field Work, 2013Concerning the ratings of the 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 circumspection of teenage pregnancy by the mass media Figure 7 shows that 55% (n=60) said doing away with grubby programmes is one major way the mass media can help overcome teenage pregnancy with 45% (n=50) explaining that developing education point 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 of 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 weightlift against teenage pregnancy is by providing the needs of their children while 27% (n=30) also renowned 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 Teenag e 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 pregnancy 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 stigmatisation 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 deli very. 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 ominous 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 the reliable ways for teenagers to encourage 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 palm data majority (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 c lass 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 get money to cover their 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 heavens 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) asserted that in most cases teenage mothers are seen salty 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 feasible economic products. Similarly, taking into consideration the issue report, 53% of the teenagers who took 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 contrary 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 truth 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 sexual 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 unpractised 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 sa id 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 informa tion , 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 through 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 fictional 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 s ex 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 media 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 is 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 character believed that in most cases teenage pregnancy can lead to low infant birth weight.In a medical literature Macleod (2009) also mentioned obs tetric 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, (2001) 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 th e 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 opinions teenage pregnancy has adverse effects on the social lives of affected 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 mos tly 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 themselves in sexual related relationships in expectation 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 concrete ways in which teenagers operate, this study showed that the major operation tenet of teenagers is sharing of info rmation. 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, peculiarly 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