| dc.description.abstract | Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies in the world. In spite
of that, there is paucity of research on causes of teenage pregnancies in African countries.
Teenage pregnancies and the eventual dropping out of school has been and still is a major
problem bedeviling the education sector in many parts of developing countries. This study
investigated the influence of cultural factors, economic factors, peer group pressure and
social media on teenage pregnancies among public secondary school students in Imenti North
Sub County. The study was hinged on two theories; Bronfrenbergs Ecological Development
theory and Albert Banduras Social Learning Theory. The study employed descriptive survey
research design. Target population form three and four students 5,496, teachers 300 and
education officers 9.The sample size was of 359 (n=359) form three and four students and 90
(n=90) teachers from 20 public secondary schools and 9 Education officers that were selected
to participate in the study. Stratified sampling and random sampling were used to pick the
respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and the students while an
interview guide was used to collect data from education officers in the Sub County. Data was
analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using SPSS version 21.0. With regard to cultural
factors and teenage pregnancy and specifically concerning the teachers, the study established
that cultural background hindered the teachers from effectively teaching sex education. The
study established that most parent /parents taking their children to the school are into
business. The study also deduced that electronic media influences teenagers to have sex at an
early age and those students are pressurized to have sex by their friends. This study
recommends that efforts on educating people regarding teenage pregnancy should be focused
on areas experiencing high levels of poverty. The government with the help of NGOs should
also ensure that parents are well educated on the how and when to talk about sex with their
children. The study established that parental communication on peer group pressure could
reduce chances of teenage pregnancy. Therefore, the study recommends that parents be
encouraged to communicate with their children. The study also established that the level
technological savvy of teachers and parents does limit their ability to control the access of
teenagers to social networking sites and exposure to explicit music and videos. The study
therefore recommends that the government with the help other development partners train
more teachers on use of ICT tools. | |
