Causes of Unplanned Pregnancies in Secondary School and its Impact on the School Performance

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze causes of unplanned pregnancies in the secondary school and its impact on the school performance. The researcher distributed questionnaires to students and teachers. Deputy Head teacher of Studies was interviewed the school Dean of the Studies. The direct observation was conducted and reading other existing documents related to the causes of unplanned pregnancies in secondary school and its impact on the school performance. The sample population of 84 people was used in this study, and data analyzed were for years 2016, 2017 and 2018. From research findings, unplanned pregnancies have serious impact on school performance where the female adolescents drop out, fail lessons and to irregularly attend classes due to many responsibilities. The research outcomes will help students, teachers, parents, and educational stakeholders to overcome causes of unplanned pregnancies for the purpose of getting good performance. The research addresses some recommendations to the Government, whereby the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) should determine and overcome the factors that associated with the unplanned pregnancies, especially for the female adolescents and their impact on the school performance. The research further suggested that training of teachers and other educational stakeholders are helpful when they effectively provided to overcome such issues. Teachers were recommended collaboration with parents on the students’ behaviors and success. Teachers should lastly know and report the number of pregnant girls and encourage them returning back to school after childbirth.