The Effects of Parents’ Reactions towards Teenage Pregnancy on Pregnant Teenagers’ Educational Aspirations in Secondary Schools in Buea Sub-division, South West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is regarded as a major socio-medical and socio-economic phenomenon in both developed and developing countries and has become more rampant in recent times. This also happens at the level of schooling. The study investigated the effects of parents’ reactions on teenage pregnancy on their pregnant teenager’s aspirations. A qualitative research paradigm (ethnographic approach) was used in conducting this study. Twenty one parents and twenty four pregnant teenagers participated in the study. A focus group discussion guide, interview guide and observation guide were the instruments used for the collection of data for the study. Data were analyzed with the use of thematic-content analysis and pre-coding. Pregnant teenagers are allowed to continue schooling and given three months maternity leave before the delivery date. The result is psychosocial problems with negative effects on their aspirations. The results show that parents’ reactions have serious consequences on pregnant adolescents’ aspirations. Therefore, most pregnant students leave school before they are given maternity leave and some who go on maternity leave do not return. This is probably because of the way they are treated in school and back at home. They are provoked by school administrators and rejected at home by parents. Counselling should also be done to the parents of the girls as stipulated in the re-entry policy. By so doing, they may be able to support their daughters during the challenging stages of parenthood and take care of their grandchildren.