Influencing Factors On Pregnancy Among Secondary School Students In Tanzania: A Case Of Bahi District, Dodoma Region

ABSTRACT

The study investigated Influencing Factors on Pregnancy among Secondary School Students in Tanzania in Bahi district, in Dodoma region. The study was guided by three objectives and questions. The study employed cross-sectional design while mixed research approach was used. The data were collected through questionnaire, focus group discussion and interview. A total sample size of one hundred (100) respondents was used for the study that included 17 teachers, 60 students, 20 parents, 1 district secondary education officer and 2 heads of schools. With respect to influencing factor on Pregnancy among Secondary School Students, it was evident that parenting style, material gain, sexual desire, peer influence, media and awareness were the major influencing factors on student pregnancy. Moreover, the study found that increase of school dropout rate, street children, poverty and diseases were the effects of student pregnancy. In addition to that, various measures should be taken to reduce or eradicate the student pregnancy such as education to parents and students, building of hostels, punishment for those who impregnate students and to the large extent, collaboration between parents and teachers should be also considered so as to monitor and control the behavior of students. Lastly, the study recommended that schools which are far from community residences should be boarding schools. Students’ girls who have reached teens should be given reproductive health education as well as stable measures should be taken against those who contribute towards school girls drop out and those who ruin the future of girls.