Awareness on the Causes, Preventions, and Complications of Teenage Pregnancy among Highschool Students in the Province of Ifugao, Philippines

Introduction: Childbearing and marriage are life situation considered to belong to the later years. Teenage pregnancy brings complications that significantly affect the lifelong of an adolescent, such as maternal mortality, academic interruption, loss of opportunities, and mental health issues. Objective: This study aimed to determine the causative factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in the province of Ifugao. Methods: This study used a quantitative nonexperimental correlational design. Stratified Random Sampling was used to determine the sample size population. The two municipalities were chosen for recruitment under their latest annual teenage pregnancy rates for the past five year. From these two municipalities, one high school for each was chosen as respondents. Results: Friends or Peers are not identified as one of the causes of teenage pregnancy but rather as a support system. Comprehensive sexuality education reveals a high awareness, while contraceptives are generally low. Complications such as psychological and social effects signify a high awareness. Age and year level are positively correlated with the causes of teenage pregnancy and low awareness on contraceptives. Family dynamics are strongly associated with family factors, social media, and the physical effects of teenage pregnancy. Overall, the respondents have identified family such as lack of parental communication and lack of guidance and the strong influence of social media, which can contribute to the likelihood of teenage pregnancy. Conclusion: Strengthening the parent and child relationship is highly encouraged. Teaching the impacts of social media and its guidelines will significantly help an adolescent with its proper use. These can decrease the chance of teenage pregnancy.