Understanding the decision making process and the consequences of pregnancy among selected urban adolescents
Date of Publication
1999
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Health Social Science
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department/Unit
Behavioral Sciences
Thesis Adviser
Robert Anthony C. Salazar
Defense Panel Chair
Romeo B. Lee
Defense Panel Member
Ma. Elena Chiong Javier
Rene De Somera
Abstract/Summary
This study seeks to describe the decision making process regarding adolescent pregnancy and identifies the consequences of such decision on their physical health and socio-psychological well-being.In-depth interviews were conducted among 19 purposively selected adolescents, 14 of whom carried pregnancy to term and 5 who terminated pregnancy prior to term.Findings showed that the decision to carry pregnancy to term is influenced by the personal views as well as the level of social acceptance and support of the boyfriend, peers, and family members. The data revealed that the decision to carry pregnancy to term is determined by the adolescent's love for the baby, perceived ill effects of abortion, the parents' acceptance and financial support and the boyfriend's pananagutan or acceptance of responsibility.On the other hand, the decision to terminate pregnancy prior to term is associated with guilt, fears of parents and of being abandoned by boyfriend, and the need to work.The consequences of the decision to continue pregnancy include difficult labor and physical injury such as perineal and vaginal tearing. Social consequences included the girl and or her boyfriend stopping from school to find a job, living together or getting married.Those who aborted their baby experienced pain and heavy bleeding, and were hospitalized. However, they were able to continue their studies, and were able to work.Whether or not pregnancy was carried to term, a common result is the separation of the girl and her boyfriend.
The findings imply that the decision to continue or terminate pregnancy entails untoward physical and social consequences for the mother, her baby and her boyfriend.
Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Accession Number
TG02940
Shelf Location
Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall
Physical Description
128 leaves
Keywords
Teenage pregnancy; Decision-making; Obstetrics; Health
Recommended Citation
Batusan, J. (1999). Understanding the decision making process and the consequences of pregnancy among selected urban adolescents. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/2030
