Determinants of Youth Pregnancy in Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies in the world. In spite of that, there is the paucity of research on the causes of teenage pregnancies in African countries. Adolescence pregnancy and the eventual dropping out of school have been and still is a major problem bedeviling the education sector in many parts of developing countries. This study investigates the determinants of youth pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. The objectives will be: to establish the influence of family stability; assess the influence of peer groups; and determine the influence of government policies on youth pregnancy in public schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. This study will adopt two theoretical foundations namely: Ecological Systems Theory and Problem Behaviour theory. The study will adopt the descriptive survey design and it is a cross-sectional study. The study targeted 15 public girls’ secondary schools. From these schools, 100 girls were sampled using purpose and stratified random sampling techniques. Data from students shall be collected using questionnaires while the principals will be
interviewed. Data from interviews will be analysed thematically and the results obtained used to validate those from students’ questionnaires. The findings of the study are bound to help adolescents in making better decisions. Parents and teachers will get an opportunity through open forums to educate adolescents on healthy decision making. The study will add to the existing body of knowledge on adolescent pregnancy. The findings shall be of immense benefit to the government and other education stakeholders to strengthen the existent measures aimed at checking adolescent pregnancy.