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In partial Fulfillment of requirements for the course subject Practical Research 1 under
Humanities and Social Sciences strand, this study entitled:

BATANG INA: THE PRECARITIES AND CHALLENGES OF TEENAGE

MOTHERS AT MAKILALA NORTH COTABATO

Has been prepared ad submitted by Charisma Joy Enumerables, Thea Del

Rosario, Brooks Carey Borres, Jann Abalos, Menjel Alapan, and Vienoel
Kaquilala who are responsible for the research.

Jimwell Galeos Cecile Lumayag

Research Adviser Research Teacher

April 17, 2021

Date
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ABSTRACT

Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a

woman 19 years of age or younger. This study aimed to identify and analyze the

experiences, struggles, overcoming those trials, and realizations of teenage mothers at

Makilala North Cotabato; and to know the to prevent teenage pregnancy. The study

followed the framework of the phenomenology research and used the purposive

sampling technique and its method of choosing respondents.

These are conclusions emerged from the study, teenage mothers who are in a

romantic relationship are most likely to get pregnant. Sexual temptation, lack of

knowledge in terms of premarital sex without the use of contraceptives, poverty, and

family structure are the factors that influence teenage pregnancy. Young mothers face

many emotional, physical, psychological/mental, social, spiritual, and financial

challenges.

CHAPTER 1
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INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a

woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex

with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods. (Elea Carey &

Jill Seladi-Schulman 2018). According to Plotnick (1992), “Attitudes are important

paths through which family background characteristics transmit their influence on

adolescent sexual and marriage behavior” (page 809).

The state of early pregnancy is a very common issue or problem throughout the

history of mankind until this modern age of time. Although, many researchers already

conducted a study about the issue as they spread awareness, prevention, and provide

surveys in every community. Most specially, this year due to the COVID – 19 Pandemic.

Therefore, many people began to asked, “How can the youth be the hope of the world

when most of them are out there changing diapers?” We’re supposed to be out there,

changing the world. As what Dr. Jose Rizal said “The Youth is the hope of our Mother

Land”

In the other hand, just because you are a teenage mother does not mean that

you do not have a future. There is still hope in every situation. That’s why, this study

focuses on the experiences and struggles of those teenage mothers. How did they

deal and overcome those struggles? What was their reasons? Yes, we may able know

the factors just by one click on the internet but it is best to provide an experience of

your own through conducting an interview. Furthermore, increased accessibility to

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social media and pornographic sharing, peer pressure, cross cultural influences,

ignorance, and decreased supervision by adults, have led to early initiation of sexual

activity by teenagers.

It is also very important to achieve a deeper understanding towards this

problem based on experience like conducting a study towards the respondents. To

strengthen our knowledge about the problem so that we may share these knowledges

to the community.

When people heard about the word “sexual intercourse.” They would immediately

tag it as a forbidden word. Reason why, most of us, lack knowledge about it and later

on, curiosity takes place. Social media sites are one of the greatest factors of teenage

pregnancy because of pornographic articles, videos, images, and etc. Without any

parental guidance, because mostly, families do not talk about it. Early pregnancy is a

state of being engaged on high-risk responsibilities, lack of parental knowledge can

affect this state. And it’s not enough for a stable parent to bear.

Teenage mothers are at high risk of suffering from mental, emotional, spiritual,

and physical health since it is an “unexpected” event that may lead to mental and

emotional distress. Thus, it highly affects one’s health since the body of a teenager is

not yet ready to bear a child and may cause serious complications during childbirth.

Teenage pregnancies and teenage motherhood are a cause for concern

worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 16 million girls

aging between 15 and 19 years and about one million girls younger than 15 years give

birth every year.

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Teenage pregnancy is a serious public health and social problem. The aim of the

study was to investigate the behavioral, familial and social factors associated with

teenage pregnancy among girls aged 13–19 years in the community of Makilala North

Cotabato. Thus, weak implementation of the Penal Code Act (which criminalizes sexual

intercourse with girls below 18 years) and the Uganda National Adolescent

Reproductive Health Policy by government institutions and a lack of community, social

support and poverty are some of the determinants of teenage pregnancy.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the experiences and struggles of teenage mothers:

a. before pregnancy;

b. during pregnancy; and

c. After pregnancy?

2. How did they deal and overcome those struggles?

3. What are their realizations?

Theoretical Framework

Fishbein and Ajzen developed a “reasoned action” theory, which states that

individuals perceive the severity of an expected outcome. This perception then helps

guide the individual’s behavior (Fishbein & Ajzen 1975; Ajzen & Fishbein 1980). A

behavior, therefore, is the product of an intended action, and the intended action is

guided by an individual’s attitudes toward the behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein 1980).

Applying this theory to teenagers and pregnancy suggests 7 that teenagers weigh the

severity of a pregnancy when they choose to engage in sexual relations. Teenagers,

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therefore, would perceive the severity of a teenage pregnancy for their future life

outcomes, and this perception would help guide a teenager’s decision-making process

about whether or not to engage in sexual relations, and if engaging in sexual relations,

whether or not to use contraception. Due to the concern in some circles over the non-

marital birth rates of young women, some researchers have started to examine the

reasons why young women give birth as single- 4 parents. In poor, urban settings in

which future academic and career opportunities do not appear to be accessible, the cost

of having a child to teenage females does not seem to be particularly high (Edin &

Kefalas 2005). Edin and Kefalas (2005) discovered that while many of the teenage

females they observed were not actively trying to become pregnant, very few were

strongly trying to prevent a premarital pregnancy by, for example, using a form of birth

control when engaging in sexual relationships. In light of the notion that the opportunity

cost of having a child as a teenager does not seem particularly high, Edin and Kefalas’

(2005)

Conceptual Framework

Rapid Urbanization Lack of educational attainment Low socioeconomic status

Factors affecting Teenage

Family Structure Absent Parents
Pregnancy

Early dating or early

Peer pressure Sexual Temptation
relationship

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the stud

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Significance of the study

This study is considered significant since it can give impacts among the

teenagers, the community, and educational institution relative in enhancing their

awareness and knowledge capabilities.

This study is deemed significant especially to the following:

Students. As the center of the educational system, students will benefit this study in

able them to know their limitations and on how their enactment gives impact to the

society. Moreover, this can also have a big impact in their insights on how to improve

their attitude, decisions, and develop disciplinary action.

Teachers. The study will provide a deeper understanding of the issue so that the

teachers may know how to deal or handle the students as they will able to realize how

concrete their teaching strategy affects students in terms of sex education.

The community. The study will benefit the people living at Makilala North Cotabato

since, by this study, they will able to adopt the product or service of this research.

School Administrations. This will provide the school administration ideas on the

importance of better-quality education to the students for this study. It will serve as a

basis for them to develop strategy that will help students more knowledgeable about

teenage pregnancy.

Education Institution. Can also benefit in this study since this study helps them

determine their educational quality in terms of teenage pregnancy awareness.

Meanwhile, they can also qualify certain activities such as seminars to boost the

students’ knowledge towards the subject.

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Parents. The study can also give a deep realization and understanding to the parents

towards their children that concerns the issue. With a proper parental guidance, teens

who are more likely, knowledgeable enough and achieve abstinence inside their homes

as a learning environment.

Other researchers. This research can be a source of another study, since nobody did

this study at Notre Dame of Makilala, Inc. ever since. It serves as a replica using

additional variables in another study for the other researchers who are curios and are

willing to dig deeper findings and understanding.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses mainly on the difficulties and experiences of teenage mothers at

the province of Makilala North Cotabato. The following respondents selected by the

researchers must be teenage mothers. The study will conduct interviews to the

participants while their identity shall remain confidential. The interviewer will conduct of

questioning following a particular progression and has a well-define content. The

respondents must be age of twenty below who are willing to participate in the study. The

researchers will identify the reasons behind the factors affecting teenage pregnancy.

The information generated from this research can provide the respondents, the

school, the community, and the students, with insight on how to enhance their teaching

strategies, human relation, and maneuver in dealing with the issue. This also serves as

a tool for educational institution for analyzing the experiences and challenges of

teenage mothers to provide a better service and guide for them. Organizations and

school officials can gain insights in development in terms of teachings.

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The community should also be aware about the rising of teenage pregnancy so

that the people in the community have the proper knowledge about the problem that

arises each year due to ignorance and other factors affecting teenage pregnancy. Thus,

researchers can be motivated to make similar studies that treat other variables not

mentioned in the study.

Definition of terms

Below are the terms which are defined operationally based on the manner to which

these have been used in the study for better understanding and guidance to readers.

Precarities. Is a term used by sociologists to refer to the spread of contingent work and

insecure employment within the labor market? The term is also used to refer to the

subjective condition of those who experience insecure work. (A Dictionary of Human

Resource Management).

Family structure. “Family Structure” is a term that describes the members of a

household who are linked by marriage or bloodline and is typically used in reference to

at least one child residing in the home under the age of 18 (Kay pasley & Raymond E.

Petren 2015).

Abstinence. Abstinence is choosing not to have sex. And the simplest form of birth

control. If two people don’t have sex, sperm can’t fertilize an egg and there’s no

possibility of pregnancy. Other forms of birth control: Depend on barriers that prevent

the sperm from reaching the egg (such as condoms o diaphragms). Thus, interfere with

the menstrual cycle as birth control pills do (Larissa Hirsh, MD 2019).

Contraceptives. The international prevention of conception through the use of various

devices, sexual practices, chemicals, drugs, or surgical procedures. Thus, any device or
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act whose purpose is to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant can be considered

as contraceptive (Rakhi Jain & Sumathi Muralidhar 2012).

Sex education. Sexuality education is defined as teaching about human sexuality,

including intimate relationships, human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexually

transmitted infections, sexual activity, sexual orientation, gender identity, abstinence,

contraception, and reproductive rights and responsibilities (Cora C. Breuner & Gerri

Mattson 2016).

Rapid Urbanization. The so-called “Rapid Urban Growth Triad” situates the

components of urban growth (rural migration, urban natural population increase and

reclassification of rural areas as urban) within their dominant theoretical discourses (K

Farrell 2018).

Teenage Drinking. Drinking alcohol is see as something teenagers are expected to do

as part of growing up but starting to drink so young is more damaging than many

teenagers realize. Understanding how to talk to teenagers about alcohol can help you

get to talk to them about the risks (Drinkaware, 2021).

Media. Social “media” is a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of

ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and

communities. Users engage with social media via computer, tablet or smartphone via

web-based software or web application, often utilizing it for messaging (Maya E.

Dollarhide 2020).

Peer pressure. Peers are people who are part of the same social group, do the term

“peer pressure” means the influence that peers can have on each other. Although peer

pressure does not necessarily have to be negative, the term “pressure” implies that the
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process influences people to do things that may be resistant to, or might not otherwise

choose to do (Elizabeth Hartney 2020).

Low socioeconomic status. Low socioeconomic status (SES) households have little

income or wealth to buffer against the negative impacts of an adverse health event

(health shock) among adult household members. However, these households may

employ a variety of other coping strategies such as receiving help from family, friends,

and social services (Tammy Leonard L Pruitt 2016).

Lack of educational attainment. Lack of education is also the reason for the increase

in the population and blind faith, In India female feticide still exists because they

considered a burden to their parents. Blind faiths which exist in our country are a very

big challenge to our country and there is only one way to tackle it that is by providing

education to those who need it. Value of education in our society is high as the worthy

are not able to access it. (Kudroli Foundation 2019)

Absent Parents. An absent parent refers to non-custodial parent who is obligated to

pay partial child support and who is physically absent from the child's home. The term

also refers to a parent who has abandoned his or her child, and failed to maintain

contact with the child (USLEGAL 2021).

Sexual Violence. Sexual violence means that someone forces or manipulates

someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent. Those who sexually

abuse can be acquaintances, family members, trusted individuals or stranger (National

Sexual Violence Resource Center 2010)

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

As cited in the study of Amy Lucas, within the past 50 years, family life within the

United States has undergone some rather substantial changes (Bumpass 1990; Parnell

et al. 1994; Popenoe 1993). In particular, no marital childbearing is becoming much

more commonplace (Bumpass 1990; Parnell et al. 1994; Popenoe 1993). In 1960, the

percentage of births to unmarried mothers was 5.3%. That figure has risen steadily over

the years, and in 2004, the percentage of births to unmarried women was 35.8% (Child

Trends Databank 2004). In addition, teenage childbearing is far more likely to occur

outside of the institution of marriage than within it (Bumpass 1990; Furstenberg 2000).

In 2003, 81.3% of births to females aged 15 to 19 occurred outside of marriage (Child

Trends Databank 2004).

Many individuals are concerned about the increase in non-marital childbearing

because unmarried mothers, especially young unmarried mothers, typically fare worse

socioeconomically than their married counterparts (Child Trends Databank 2004;

Hoffman et al 1993; Klepinger et al. 1995; Klepinger et al. 1999), and children who are

raised in single-parent homes are more likely to experience negative life outcomes such

as low educational attainment, early pregnancy, engagement in risky behavior, etc.

(Child Trends Databank 2004, Harris et al. 2002).

While future expectations toward work and education undoubtedly factor into the

decision-making process of becoming a young, single mother, Edin and Kefalas (2005)

believe that they have uncovered an even deeper and underlying reason for the

relatively high rates of young, single motherhood among the urban poor. Edin and
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Kefalas (2005) posit that poor females place motherhood before marriage. According to

Edin and Kefalas (2005), while poor young women value marriage in a similar fashion to

the middle class, i.e. dream of marrying and moving into the house with a white picket

fence in the suburbs, and many refuse to consider marrying the men in their lives until a

level of economic security has been met, few are willing to wait until this (for many,

highly unattainable) standard has been reached to bear children.

Edin and Kefalas (2005) drew these conclusions after observing poor, young,

single mothers in the Camden and Philadelphia area, and they concisely summarize the

mother before marriage viewpoint by noting the following, “poor women consider

marriage a luxury – one they desire and someday hope to attain, but can live without if

they must. Researchers have typically argued that the costs associated with a teenage

pregnancy are considerable (Hoffman 1998; Hoffman et al. 1993; Klepinger et al. 1995;

Klepinger et al. 1999). Teenage pregnancy particularly affects educational attainment

and later economic well-being (Hoffman et al 1993; Klepinger et al. 1995; Klepinger et

al. 1999). Klepinger et al. (1999) found that teenage childbearing leads to important

wage losses later in life due to reductions in educational attainment and young adult

work experience.

Geronimus (1991), however, has argued that the costs associated with teenage

pregnancy for disadvantaged females are not as great as previously thought. The

females who become mothers during their teen years are very distinct from those who

do not. Teenage mothers are more likely to come from economically disadvantaged

families, be members of minority groups, and grow up in either inner city neighborhoods

or isolated rural areas (Geronimus 1991).

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Therefore, in order to estimate the costs associated with childbearing for this

distinct group of females, it does not make sense to compare these females to those

who have not given birth because those who have not given birth typically have far

brighter future prospects than those who have given birth. This comparison will lead to

inflated costs of childbearing, and Geronimus (1991) therefore advocates comparing

sisters, in order to control for family background, to better determine the costs of

teenage childbearing. When comparing disadvantaged sisters, one of whom has a

teenage pregnancy and one of whom does not, it 8 appears as if the costs of a teenage

pregnancy for disadvantaged teens are overstated (Geronimus & Korenman 1992;

Geronimus & Korenman 1993).

Adolescent pregnancy poses risks to the life of the young mother and her baby,

and can compromise their health, educational and future employment outcome. Sexual

initiation in early adolescence increases the risk of adolescent pregnancy, especially in

settings where unmet need for contraception/family planning and persists. In Southeast

Asia, fertility (childbearing) among adolescents – young people between the ages of 10

and 19 and majority of whom are children – has been declining since the 1970s, but

recent decades have seen some countries defying this trend. Based on 2017 estimates

from the United Nations, adolescent fertility in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

(PDR), the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia exceeded the regional

average of 44 births per 1000 women 15–19 years old in 2015–2020. The Philippines,

Thailand and Cambodia have seen increasing adolescent fertility beginning between

2000 and 2010, while in Lao PDR and Indonesia, decades of declining adolescent

fertility has begun to taper. (Cathy Vaughan & Alison Morgan 2019)
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Results from cumulative years of the National Demographic and Health Survey and

the latest result of the 2011 Family Health Survey, shows that teenage pregnancy in the

Philippines, measured as the proportion of women who have begun childbearing in their

teen years, has been steadily rising over a 35-year period. These teenage mothers are

predominantly poor, reside in rural areas and have low educational attainment. However,

this paper observes a trend of increasing proportions of teenagers who are not poor, who

have better education and are residents of urban areas, who have begun childbearing in

their teens. Among the factors that could help explain this trend are the younger age at

menarche, premarital sexual activity at a young age, the rise in cohabiting unions in this

age group and the possible decrease in the stigma of out-of-wedlock pregnancy. (Josefina

Natividad 2013)

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also known

as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law, and officially designated as Republic Act

No. 10354, is a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods

of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the research design, research locale, research respondents,

research instruments, and research procedure.

Research Design

Phenomenological Design. The study focuses on obtaining descriptions of the

respondents’ lived experiences either in writing or interviews. This research study will

appoint the use of descriptive qualitative approach to become aware of the factors

which make contribute to the issue to provide solutions, stability and controllability

attributions. The goal of this study is to analyze the meaning behind these experiences

of each subject, rather than generalizing to greater population (Donalek, 2004). In order

sustained when examined in the context of the teenage mother’s experiences and

struggles.

Research Locale

This paper will be conducted at the province of Makilala North Cotabato. The

community has been chosen since it is the easiest way to conduct the research rather

than going out of the area. Thus, the covid- 19 pandemic outbreak is still an issue.

Therefore, the researchers and participants will make sure to observe proper health

protocols while conducting the research.

Research Respondents

The research respondents are those teenage mothers who are living in the said

province who ages below twenty and are willing to participate in this study.

Research Instruments
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In order to get descriptions and information from the respondents, the

researcher will search for related literatures which include questions related to the

variables utilized in the study. Since the researchers will perform an interview to the

respondents, the researcher will create questionnaire which shall be validated. The

instruments include notes, recorders, and telephone. Validation an administration of the

instruments, conducted interviews, data representative and reliability, description of the

study, and data analysis of the gathered information.

Research Procedure

The following procedures will be employed for this study. First, the researcher will

ask for approval from the respondents which the study will be conducted. The approval

of authorities earlier than the conduct of the study indicates formal acknowledgement

and conventional approach to understand the presence of higher institutions (Denzin, &

Lincoln, 2011; Marshall, & Rossman, 2014). Through this, the researcher will be in a

position to have a professional data from the interview which is successful of acquiring

information. They are also well applicable to gathering demographic data that describe

the composition of the pattern (Mclntyre, 1999).

The solutions must be clear and mentioned handy for the researcher to analyze it

precisely (De Wilde, & Van der Voorden, 2004; Friesen, 2009). The information

accumulated will undergo tabulation. The tabulation of solutions makes the records

extra geared up and systematic, though it is recognized to be an essential section for

the researcher, it will increase the risk of not committing errors at some point of the

interpretation of answers (Maindonald & Braun, 2006; Chatfeld, 2016; McPeake,

Bateson, & O’Neill, 2014).

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The researchers must not force the respondents and their identity shall remain

confidential. The interviewer will observe respect and understanding towards the

respondents since this is a very sensitive issue. The researchers must be careful in

terms of conducting the research in order to maintain peace and achieve excellence at

the same time. Researchers must show the respondents a way of caring for those

teenage mothers. In other words, challenging this traumatic, isolating, and rejecting

method of one-sided discipline, and introducing a method of forgiving, healing, and

understanding.

Next, the researchers will interpret the statistics primarily based on the outcomes

discovered through the statistician. It is also the researcher’s challenge to avoid the

interference or addition of their very own perspectives (Leung, 2001). The interpretation

of information produces the most necessary findings in the study (Brown, Krass,

Johnstone, Gibbs, Reid, Madigan & Lang, 2009).

Lastly, the last juncture of this lookup paper is to produce its final output. The

output must serve its purpose and achieve its goal.

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CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the research findings of the data collected from the study.

The findings will be presented in relation to the research objectives stated in the study.

The method used to analyze the data is already discussed in the methodology chapter.

4.2 DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE INTERVIEWEES

4.2.1 The researchers interviewed at least five teenage mothers in the process. While

approaching women respondent was easier as they are willing to be interviewed in a

short notice. These individuals are the individuals involved during the field work

interviews and their opinions, struggles, challenges, overcoming those trials, and

realizations were extracted and explained accordingly.

4.3 RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.3.1 Introduction

This part of the chapter presents the finding and analyses the data obtained from the

individual interviewees from the statement of the problem. The data were extracted and

analyzed according to the objective of the study.

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4.3.2 What are the experiences and struggles of teenage mothers?

a) Before pregnancy

b) During pregnancy; and

c) After pregnancy?

Participants felt that teenage mothers are frowned upon by their wider

communities, which left them with feelings of shame and embarrassment,

pressure, and unpreparedness in terms of motherhood responsibilities. In the

interview with the respondent number one she stated:

“Before pregnancy, I was homesick due to lockdown. I was starting to feel so tired and

dizzy but I have no idea that I am already pregnant that time. I was carried away with

the stress along with my modules that causes me major headache and everything went

black. I woke up on the hospital, the result shock me to the core. I am pregnant! My

mind is in chaos. I’m thinking of what will my mama and papa would say? I keep on

telling myself that I do not want to have the same fate like my friend who also got

pregnant but here I am. Once I told my boyfriend about it, he was left dumbfounded. I

know that we’re both pressure at the moment. I was so stress out.”

Teenage mothers stated that accepting the role of motherhood is associated with

emotional and mental distress such as fear and worry, regret and frustration, guilt and

shame, stress, and disruption in relationship of family. Fear and worry were mainly

derived from regret which associated with unwanted pregnancy, problems related to

pregnancy and motherhood.

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“During my pregnancy, I keep on vomiting and mood swings occur. It was exhausting.

Thus, the news about me spread like wildfire in the community. There was a time when

I am afraid of going out because I am always the center topic of the neighborhood. They

would look at me with dagger eyes. There was a point wherein they blame me as of why

this happened to me and it made me blame myself too.”

During pregnancy, teenage mothers are likely to face multiple stressful life

events. Adolescent mothers experience many physical, psychological, mental and

social challenges. Therefore, it is expedient that special attention and care support is

made available to them by health care, family, and friends. Teenage mothers increased

burden of responsibility, experiencing physical problems, receiving insufficient support,

inefficiency in maternal role, emotional and mental distress. Respondent number one

confessed:

“I always told myself that so what if I love the person? It doesn’t mean that I will give

everything to him but there comes a point where you really give everything to him

because of both love and temptation. We once tried using contraceptives but as we go

on with that activity, we did not use any protection anymore. Honestly, you can’t really

control it when you both are already tempted. The choice is in the both of you.”

Elkind described teens as becoming in love with love; their notion of love is

idealistic and when the ideal doesn't match up to reality their early romantic encounters

can be a shock. Sexual temptation leads to teenage pregnancy. Thus, teenage

pregnancy happens when both couples does not use contraceptives and protection

when they perform premarital sex. If partners do not have abstinence in terms of sexual
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intimacy, contraceptives are the best way to avoid getting pregnant or better to have

control and wait for the right time. In the other hand, birth control is also very risky. It

may have complications in the future. Therefore, it’s better to ask a doctor.

“My biggest challenge is to continue my education. My mother said that I should take

care of my child. However, my parents also agreed that they will support me if I am still

willing to finish my studies. It’s very hard to accept everything and the pressure is all on

me.”

Teenage pregnancy takes away one’s freedom because of the responsibility

ahead. The conflict between motherhood and education will occur. Pregnancy and child

care results in the inability of teenage mothers to studying and are eventually deprived

of education. Thus, the tension between family and financial concerns is always

present. That’s why; a teenage mother needs all the support she could get from family,

friends, and partner. However, there are also some common circumstances when the

teenage father does not want to face the responsibility. Respondent number two stated:

“When I knew that I was pregnant, I immediately told my partner about it. However, he

was mad because I got pregnant! He seems unwilling to take the responsibility. He

chose to ignore me instead of helping me figure out what to do. I was so lost and afraid

that I decided to hide, denied, and lied to my family and friends about my pregnancy.”

The fear and hesitancy teens express at the thought of discussing pregnancy

with their parents is deeply rooted in our culture. Young mother’s challenges included

coping with increased responsibilities such as managing the competing demands of

schooling, work and giving birth. Some young mothers indicated they received good
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support from their parents, close friends, but rarely from the father of their baby. This

case is usually the reason why, there’s a lot of single mothers out there who raise their

child alone due to incompetence and the lack of responsibility of one’s partner.

However, some cases wherein teenage fathers face their responsibilities eventually.

Respondent number two stated:

“Not everyone is capable of finding a technique to earn money in such a young age. I

have a small business. I do not want to ask money from my relatives. After pregnancy, I

couldn’t sleep because my baby is always crying and my child needs my full attention.

It’s such a struggle and a lot of stress. Thankfully, my partner helps me out somehow.”

Early motherhood was in conflict with the special features of adolescence.

Although teenage mothers tended to be independent but they had to receive help from

others to perform motherhood role.

“My parents in the other hand talk to me. Yes, they were mad and disappointed but they

did not hurt me at all. My mother always reminds us if ever we get pregnant, we

shouldn’t abort the baby because the child is innocent which I apply to myself. I believed

in heaven and hell; I do not want to commit a sin.”

Abortion remains a controversial topic and a pregnant teen considering abortion

often finds her in a situation wherein they see abortion as the only answer because they

recognize their own immaturity and inability to take care for a baby. Teens that were

afraid to tell their parents they were pregnant often grew desperate to end their

pregnancies. However, some does not take abortion as an option to end the problem.

That’s why, parental guidance is very important in terms of growing up. Having a family
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can influence one’s behavior and personality with a proper guidance and awareness, a

person can have a good judgment and wise decision. Therefore, Family structure

influences teenage pregnancy. The experience from the other respondents is very

opposite from the respondent number three by which she stated:

“I came from a broken family. Growing up with just my dad is really hard without a

mother figure. I never knew what my parents thought about me. They didn’t even know

that I was pregnant. They just knew when I gave birth on April. The funny thing is, they

just said “congratulations” and told me that I should just accept it”

Adolescent girls’ risks of becoming pregnant in the context of their family

histories, defined by changes in their family structures and experiences of poverty from

early childhood through adolescence. When a child does not have the proper guidance,

love and attention from their guardians. A child seeks it on other people such as friends

and romantic relationship by which they look for the love and attention that their parents

can’t give to them. In this case, a peer may influence a person; it can either be good or

bad. She confessed:

“I’m always hanging out with my friends. I was staying at my uncle’s house because he

will pay for the expenses for my education. However, he almost sexually harassed me.

Thankfully, I manage to get out.”

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Poverty is one of the main reasons of teenage pregnancy followed by low

educational attainment among teen mothers affects their economic opportunities. Lack

of parental guidance may risk a child’s life and safety. Due to low educational

attainment, she said:

“Honestly, I have no idea about contraceptives…”

Lack of knowledge and parental guidance can highly have a major impact on

teenagers nowadays. Due to poverty, peers, and environment a child may influence a

certain behavior without knowing if the action is right or wrong. Teenagers nowadays

are experiencing their sexual temptation. Because of the separation of their parents, the

child or person will affect. They don’t guide their children as they grow up because of

their relationship problem. So, the child knew everything by their own and don’t know

what is good and bad. Then they lead to sexual temptation that almost all of the

teenagers usually feel. Because of having sexual temptation, they lead themselves to

teenage pregnancy.

“I struggle a lot. I always cry. I feel so alone. I have no friends or a family to talk to

because they are far away. I am currently living with my partner now. I can say that

experiencing labor pain and giving birth for the first time is the hardest part. It’s really

hard without a complete family. There’s no one who can discipline you and tells you

what’s right or wrong. There’s no one you could talk about your problems. Sometimes, I

think of committing suicide. However, I couldn’t because I have a child now.”

Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among female adolescents.

Without family support and friends can be a depressing stage among teenage mothers.
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Depression leads to suicidal thoughts. A greater risk is seen among adolescent mothers

who become pregnant outside marriage and consider suicide as the solution to

unresolved problems. That’s why; one’s mental health should not be ignored. A suicidal

person needs help, support, attention, and medication from health cares, family, friends,

and partner.

Teenage mothers who receive strong social support from their families and

friends during pregnancy appear to be protected from sharp increases in a particular

stress hormone, making them less likely to experience depression after giving birth and

have a positive outlook in terms motherhood. Respondent number four stated:

“I am so thankful because despite of what I did, my parents still love and supported me.

I will do my best to earn their trust again. My boyfriend and I are currently living

together.”

Having supportive and understanding parents can reduce the stress hormones of

teenage mothers. People with positive perception towards motherhood care more likely

to development a good relationship with family, friends and the child. Respondent

number five stated:

“When I was pregnant, I knew my mother was in pain. Now that I became a mother, the

moment when my daughter told me that she was pregnant in such a young age, I

suddenly felt the pain of what my mother must have felt when I was pregnant. That’s

why, I understand my daughter because I was in the same situation before.”

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Teenage mothers stated that accepting the role of motherhood is the first step on

becoming a good mother and being a parent means establishing a deeper

understanding towards the sacrifices of their parents because they are a parent of their

own.

4.3.3 How did they deal and overcome those struggles?

Respondent #1

“Acceptance and Prayer, I should not listen or care about what other people will say.

They don’t give any beneficial to my life. I have my family and friends. They are the only

people that matters. I should accept and love my child. My partner will find a job for our

finances and I will too. I will finish my education no matter what. I can’t change the past

but I can create wonderful future for my family.”

Respondent #2

“I became stronger the moment I laid my eyes on my child. I can compare myself

before, I often cry but now, I am stronger than ever. I always ignore the judgment of

others; I do not care at all. I just let them be and let karma deal with them. I only need to

focus on my baby. I have my siblings and mother who will help me throughout the way. I

conquered my fears to earn money in the right way. I will continue my education and my

small business.”

Respondent #3
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“Every day I wake up with a smile on my face. I am thankful because I am still alive.

Although, I still miss the old days where my family was still complete and not broken but

I already dwell with the broken family situation. It’s time to heal. I need to be strong and

not be affected easily by the harshness of the world. Yes, we have quarrels with my

partner but we’re strong enough to handle our relationship. The neighbors may judge

and mock us but we just let them be because our family is complete and we’re happy.”

Respondent #4

“Overall, I overcome my struggles by making my son an inspiration. The judgment of

people doesn’t bother me at all. Why would I? I have a supportive parents, friends, and

siblings.”

Respondent #5

“Just be positive. I am motivated enough for my family. I don’t care about what people

will say to me. They have no right because they are not in my shoes.”

4.3.4 What are their realizations?

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This study revealed that acceptance and prayer is the cure to regret. Teenage mothers

don’t have any regrets in the end, regrets are in the middle, at the end; they already

learned.

Respondent #1

“Never judge a person because karma always has its way. I always judge other

because they were pregnant in such a young age but now, I understand them more that

we’re in the same situation. I just ate what I said. For the teens out there, do not enter

premarital sex. It’s okay if you’re in a relationship but never try on sexual activities

because once you did, you will look for it again. Temptation is just around the corner so

set a limitation to yourself. Remember, you have dreams and think about the sacrifices

of your parents. Just enjoy life but know your limitations!”

Respondent #2

“I’ve realized that what I did was a life changing experience. In my age right now, I

should be enjoying my teenage years but I can’t because I have my priorities. I always

put my baby first before anything else. I know my fair share of mistakes but I can’t do

anything about it but to face my responsibility.”

Respondent #3
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“I’ve realized that I was blinded by the pain, I am not alone. I have friends at Davao

wherein they comforted me through Facebook. I am still blessed and it made me realize

that suicide is not the answer because my baby needs me. I realize the hardships of my

father when I was becoming a mother. Stress and struggles are part of life and I can

cope up with it eventually. I won’t let depression ruined my life.”

Respondent #4

“I’ve realized that despite of everything, my mom and dad haven’t lost their love for me.

It’s true that family never leaves during your hardest time.”

Respondent #5

“God put the mind beneath while the heart is under because our brain is the one who

will control our heart. Never let your heart control you, use your brain.”

According to the result of the study, teenage mothers face physical,

psychological, social, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual challenges before,

during, and after pregnancy. The constant need for support, acceptance, finances, lack

of maternal skills, encountering situations and major changes, mental health concerns,

role conflict between education and motherhood, disruption of employment, religious

and cultural negative reactions, relationship and family conflicts.

Chapter V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

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This chapter summarizes the findings gathered in the study, the conclusions drawn

from the findings and recommendation made to use of the findings of the study.

Summary

After thorough study, the following findings surfaced:

This study sought to find the factors affecting teenage mothers of Makilala, North

Cotabato.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the experience and struggles of teenage mothers:

a) before

b) during; and

c) after pregnancy?

2. How did they deal and overcome those struggles?

3. What are their realizations?

Findings

The result of the study enabled the researchers to arrive at the following findings:

1. Family Structure influence teenage mothers. Lack of parental guidance which

parents avoid their children from talking about sex. When a child’s curiosity takes
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place, they could not control or use any protective measures because they remain

ignorant in terms of sexual pleasure. Most adolescents received their sex

education from their mothers who failed to teach them about pregnancy and

contraceptives.

2. Early dating or early relationship. Researchers have found that women who

enter on a romantic relationship in not appropriate age while engaging unprotected

sex are most likely to get pregnant. Embracing sexual temptation, lack of

abstinence, and self-discipline leads to teenage pregnancy.

3. Poverty. Due to poor family income, a child may have low educational attainment

and opportunities. These teenage mothers are predominantly poor and lack

knowledge about sex education. Lack of information about sexual intimacy

contributed to the teenage mothers’ non-utilization of contraceptives was their lack

of knowledge about pregnancy and contraception.

4. Teenage mothers are prone to physical, emotional, mental, psychological,

and social challenges. This usually triggers mental health concerns such as

stress, anxiety, and depression which cause suicidal attempts due to the pressure,

denial, and unpreparedness of motherhood. That’s why, support from health care

providers, family, and friends should be present during the process.

5. Financial problems. Teenage mothers feel anxious or stressed about finances

before, during, and after pregnancy. This creates tension between education and

responsibility of motherhood. However, there are two types of parents wherein they

will support their child or refuse to acknowledge; disownment.

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6. Spiritual growth. Faith and payers enable teenage mothers to get through the

challenges of motherhood as each prayer gives them strength, hope, forgiveness,

and acceptance. Acceptance is the key to ignore the negativities among teenage

women such as judgment, worry, stress, and anxiety. They seek for God’s help as

well as the support of their family and friends along the way. That’s how they

overcome those struggles and fought the challenges of life.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, it was revealed that teenage mothers who are in a

romantic relationship are most likely to get pregnant. Sexual temptation, lack of

knowledge in terms of premarital sex without the use of contraceptives, poverty, and

family structure are the factors that influence teenage pregnancy. Young mothers face

many emotional, physical, psychological/mental, social, spiritual, and financial

challenges. Thus, family structure has the most important role in a person’s life because

it is the main source or root of a child’s behavior. It is also revealed that not everyone

has the same family which highly affect a teenager’s life.

Recommendation

Based on the findings and conclusion drawn to the researchers, the following are

recommended:
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1. Family structure should be well established. A home is the first school of a

child. Therefore, parents should educate their children about sex and not feel

awkward about it. Most teenage mothers belong to a broken family which led the

child to be lost and are not knowledgeable enough about sex because there’s no

one who teaches them about it. That’s why, a complete family and a good

parental guidance are advised and the government should be aware of the

children who do not have any family in their community.

2. Sex Education. Teenage pregnancy should not be normalized. If a child does

not have a healthy learning environment at home then the school institution can

give them the proper knowledge about sexual intercourse, pregnancy,

menstruation, reproductive health, and contraception. Sex education should be

repeatedly offered and by adolescence period, they should be knowledgeable

about different contraceptives and about the accessibility implemented if the

woman wishes to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Prevention is better than cure.

Many young women suffer from pregnancy because they lack knowledge and

abstinence. Therefore, education is the cure to ignorance.

3. Seminars and programs. The government from the community of Makilala

North Cotabato should strengthen implementation of program which deals with

teenage pregnancy so that young mothers, youth, and adults may know how to

prevent, access, and handle the issue properly. This project will spread

awareness about teenage pregnancy to those who lack knowledge about it.

Thus, this serves as a step to build a friendly environment among the people

living in the community.

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4. The faith community. The church should also take part of the prevention and

awareness about the difficulty of teenage mothers. The church should teach the

community to have abstinence, forgiveness, and support of teenage mothers

instead of gossips and judgments. This may establish discipline and a good

relationship between the community and how they react maturely to the issue.

5. Service providers and policy makers should support the young mothers in

following motherhood. Most teenage mothers belong to poor family by which

they could not have educational attainment. Support from organizations which

help facilitate young mothers’ re-engagement with education, work, and other

aspects of life.