TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage Pregnancy

Background of the Study

The limited evidence of effectiveness of existing teenage pregnancy strategies which focus on sex education, together with growing evidence that factors such as poor school ethos, disaffection, truancy, poor employment prospects and low expectations are associated with teenage pregnancy, has increased interest in interventions which target these “wider” social determinants.

Study Design

This paper aims to identify promising interventions and priorities for future research and to make recommendations for policy and practice in the UK. This paper discusses the evidence regarding the potential of interventions which target determinants of teenage pregnancy relating to school disaffection and low expectations, drawing on recent systematic reviews and trials to consider future directions for research, policy and practice. High-quality research evidence illustrates the potential of two approaches to address determinants of teenage pregnancy relating to disaffection and low expectations. These are school-ethos interventions, which aim to facilitate a positive and inclusive school-ethos, strengthen school relationships and reduce disaffection; and targeted, intensive youth work interventions, which aim to promote positive expectations, vocational readiness and self-esteem through vocational and life-skills education, volunteering and work experience.

Methods for Data Collection

For this study we have utilized the qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is much more subjective than quantitative research and uses very different methods of collecting information, mainly individual, in-depth interviews and focus groups.

Design of the Instrument

However, since this research study is a secondary qualitative research the data that has been collected for qualitative analysis has been through an extensive review of literature that has been published in the field in the past few years. Secondary research is often less costly than surveys and is extremely effective in acquiring information about peoples' communications needs and their responses to and views about specific communications. It is often the method of choice in instances where quantitative measurement is not required.

Reliability and Validity

This paper calls for a shift in the research and policy agenda. In addition to interventions that aim to address proximal, individual factors, such as sexual health-related knowledge, there should be a more complementary focus on socio-environmental as well as targeted individual-focused interventions aiming to address the wider social determinants of teenage pregnancy.

Sample

The chosen population for the research is the teenage females of UK. This paper aims to identify promising interventions and priorities for future research and to make recommendations for policy and practice in the UK.

Pilot Study

Reports the findings of a survey of health, education, youth and social services, and providers of services, which was undertaken for the Department of Health. Summarizes other recent reviews of evaluations of services and young people's sexual health services. Provides guidance for health, education, youth and social services purchasers and providers on good practice for young people's services and identifies gaps in our knowledge where further research is needed. Argues for closer working with young people in identifying their sexual health needs and in the development and monitoring of services.

Data Analysis

Recent statistics in relation to the teen birthrates are ...