Effect of Guidance and Counseling on Teenager Pregnancies in Public Secondary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of guidance and counselling on teenage pregnancies in public secondary schools in the Kyerwa district, Kagera, Tanzania. The study used a mixed-methods research approach supported by a convergent parallel research design. The participants in this study were 110 (i.e., 10 Heads of schools, 10 Teacher Counselors and 90 Girl students). Data collection instruments were questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program version 28.0 and interpreted in table forms using means and standard deviations while qualitative data were transcribed and thematically analyzed through quotes and narrations. The findings established that school-related risky behaviours leading to teenage pregnancies are sexual relationships with villagers, failure to use condoms, favours, and gifts. Students perceive that guidance and counselling help them in reducing unwanted pregnancies among them, sexually transmitted infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It is also evident that the number of drop-outs because of early pregnancies dropped from 12 girlstudents in 2019 to 8 in 2020. Teacher-counsellors are challenged with other obligations which make them not available when needed, not trusted by female students for fear of the same being exposed and shy among female students. It is concluded that guidance and counselling reduce teenage pregnancies in public secondary schools. Recommendations for action and further research are suggested.