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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Marian M Tabi, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Georgia Southern University, P. O. Box 8158, Statesboro, GA 30460, (912) 681-5998, mtabi@gasou.edu
This study investigated Ghanaian adolescents' (n=87) values and beliefs about teenage pregnancy. The purpose of the study was to gain a cultural perspective and understanding of adolescents' values and beliefs about teenage pregnancy. Data were collected from 6th and 7th graders in two elementary schools in Cape Coast, Ghana. Mean age of participants was 12 years. More than half of the participants strongly believed that insecurity, poor self-esteem, family upbringing, and the lack of knowledge and information about reproduction and parental responsibilities were factors that contributed to teenage pregnancy. Sixty-eight of the participants indicated that teens' that engage in sexual activities often do not think about the consequences of sex and pregnancy. Majority of the participants (58%) had discussed sex and pregnancy with peers' compared to 35% and 40% with parents and teachers respectively. More than two-thirds (76%) of the participants indicated they had discussed sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS with peers; 72% with teachers, and 53% with parents. Sexuality education to reduce teenage pregnancy according to the participants should include sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS (58%); abstinence from sexual activity until marriage (49%); information on sex education and reproductive health (47%); and teenage pregnancy and parenting responsibilities (37%).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.