Bridging Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices: A Study of Reproductive Health among Teenage Mothers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)

Healthy reproductive health is vital for women's overall well-being, encompassing healthy relationships, inclusive healthcare, accurate information, affordable contraception, and support for unplanned pregnancies. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of teenage mothers aged 13-19 in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in Claveria. This paper employs a descriptive-correlational research design to systematically investigate the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Using convenience sampling, data were gathered from 104 respondents. The findings showed that 40.38% of participants had excellent knowledge of reproductive health, 27.88% had very good knowledge, 18.27% had satisfactory knowledge, 5.77% needed improvement, and 7.69% had poor knowledge. Attitudes revealed the highest mean score (3.53) for valuing parental advice to avoid risky behaviors, while the lowest (2.36) indicated disagreement with the notion that love alone justifies sexual activity. In practice, avoiding alcohol scored highest (2.49), while practicing safe sex through condom use scored lowest (1.61), reflecting inconsistent use and exposure to risks. Correlation analysis found a weak positive relationship between knowledge and attitudes (Spearman's rho = 0.249, p = 0.011), a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and practices (Spearman's rho = 0.443, p = 0.000), and a weak positive relationship between attitudes and practices (Spearman's rho = 0.253, p = 0.009). The study concludes that while knowledge and attitudes are generally positive, reproductive health practices remain inconsistent. Strengthening reproductive health education through regular community-based programs, workshops, and peer education is recommended to improve awareness and promote safer practices among teenage mothers in GIDA barangays.