The Socio-economic Factors Associated With Teenage Pregnancy in Makueni Division

Abstract

This study is an analysis of the Socio-Economic Factors that are associated with teenage pregnancy in Makueni Division of Machakos District , Its main purpose was to establish the Social and Economic factors that are related to teenage pregnancy as well as to find out the effect of child-parent relationship on teenage pregnance and thereby recommend ways of checking the situation. The sample for this study was all-female. The individual teenage girl with the following characteristics was the unit of analysis: married mothers, unmarried mothers and single childless girls. One hundred and ninety-four respondents were interviewed.The sample was selected using the stratified sampling method coupled with the snow-ball method of sampling. Non-probability principles of sampling were also employed. Simple ,observation and hospital file iI notes were other methods of data collection. Data were collected using a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire which consisted of both closed and open-ended questions. According to the study's findings teenage pregnancies and teenage marriages are related and they promote each other due to the effect of the Proximate Determinants of Fertility (Intercourse, Conception and Gestation and Parturition Variables) which are encouraged within marital unions. Teenage pregnancies lead to teenage marriages which encourage sex activity since it is the socially accepted context for reproduction. Teenage pregnancy and marriage were found to have grave effects on teenage girls' educational careers for they lead to a high drop-out rate among the female school populations. Lack of knowledge about the process of conception was found to be related to teenage pregnancy It led to indiscriminate sex involvement. Though contraceptive information was not totally lacking among the respondents, contraceptive use was negligible. It was found that child-parent communication, parental supervision and control, and the meeting of economic needs did not have much influence on teenage pregnancy. It was therefore concluded that teenage pregnancy in Makueni Division has resulted from teenage marriages and lack of information and knowledge about the process of conception as well as lack of contraceptive information and use. It is thus necessary to check the factors that encourage early pregnancy and marriage by exposing teenagers to education pertaining to birth control. Community-based education programmes on matters of human sexuality are necessary to promote interest and dialogue on teenage sexuality and its responsible expressions.