Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

For todays generation the number of teenage pregnancy are keep on increasing. It is

also one of the most rampant issue in our society. This is not only concern with the society

yet it also affects of some several factors the economy, and most importantly in the field of

education. Also becoming parents at the young age leads challenges and burdens since it

limits such opportunities and priviledge to the students. Having children while studying cause

distraction on the academic performance since the teenage mothers attend school irregularly

and sometimes drop out of school due to parenting role. Moreover, it affects on financial

aspects that it increases financial support for monthly checkups, vitamins and child essential

needs to survive. Most importantly the future of the child and the teenage mothers since they

are not capable of providing and supporting of their own because of the young age.

Furthermore teenage pregnancy remains to be one of major educational matters impacting

students performance in the modern world. According to Drixen (2019), the few or

nonexistence sex education that exist new contributes significantly to the vice global ascent,

high rates of illiteracy in society and archaic cultural customs are other factors tat contribute

to the adolescent pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy is a global occurrence with clearly known

causes and serious health, social and economic consequences. Pregnant girls often drop out of

school, limiting opportunities for future employment and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

In addition the commission on population and development (2021), has raised the alarm on

the considerable rise in teen pregnancies as it called lawmakers to pass a law that would help
address the problem, citing date from the Philippines Statistical Authority, also known as

popcom , noted that the total of 3,135 adolescent girls younger than 15 years old gave birth in

2021 a 35.13 percent increase from the 2,320 recorded in 2021. ‘Although live births from

adolescent girls, 14 years old and below, are just 0.22 percent of total live births recorded,

CPD is still deeply concerened about the increase in adolescent pregnancy, especially among

our very young girls CPD executive director Lisa Grace Bernales (2023).

Globally an estimated 13 percent of adolescent girls and young women

give birth before age 18 (UNICEF Data 2024). Early child bearing, or pregnancy and delivery

during adolescence, can derail girls otherwise healthy development into adulthood and have

negative impacts on their education, livelihoods and health. Many girls who are pregnant are

forced to drop out school, which can impact their educational and employment prospects and

opportunity.

At Mimbunga National High School, almost 20% of the total population of the

enrolled girls students, experience teenage pregnancy and some reasons are lack of sex

education and curiosity. In that way it affects their performance in school, and limit their

opportunities and privilege to experience stable life in the future. Some students choose to

drop out because lack of financial and moral support. In response to the problem, the

researcher come up to this study to find and examine the possible solution to the teenage

pregnancy.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
 In recent years, adolescent parenthood has become increasingly prevalent, posing

significant challenges to both individuals and societies worldwide. As the rates of teenage

pregnancy continue to rise, understanding the factors implications of adolescent parenthood

has become more interesting. Several studies about the factors lead to adolescent parenthood

are cited in the study of Bandura 2020 entitled “Social Learning Theory”

Social Learning Theory (SLT), developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, suggests

that people learn by observing the behaviors of others and the consequences of those

behaviors. This means that teenagers often learn from what they see happening around them,

whether it's at home, in school, or in the media. For example, if teenagers see their parents or

older siblings smoking cigarettes, they might think it's okay for them to smoke too. Similarly,

if they see their friends skipping school or getting into fights, they might feel tempted to do

the same. This is because teenagers often look up to those around them as role models and

may imitate their behaviors, especially if they see those behaviors being rewarded or praised.

In this generation, the influence of the media, including TV shows, movies, and social

media platforms, is particularly strong. Teenagers are constantly exposed to various

portrayals of behaviors, both positive and negative, through these channels. For instance, if

they see celebrities glamorizing substance abuse or risky sexual behaviors in music videos or

on social media, they might perceive these behaviors as acceptable or even desirable

(Bandura 2020).

However, SLT also highlights the importance of positive role models and supportive

environments in shaping adolescents' behaviors and attitudes. When teenagers have good role

models to look up to, such as parents, teachers, or community leaders who demonstrate

positive behaviors and values, they are more likely to emulate those behaviors. Positive

reinforcement, such as praise and encouragement from these role models, further reinforces
the adoption of desirable behaviors. Understanding Social Learning Theory can be helpful to

our study as it provides insights into how adolescents learn behaviors through observation

and imitation of others, which can influence their decisions regarding parenthood. By

applying this theory, we can better understand the factors that contribute to adolescent

parenthood and develop strategies to promote positive outcomes for young parents and their

children.

Conceptual Paradigm

This chapter illustrates the relationship between Adolescent Parenthood and

Academic Performance among teenage parents. Adolescent Parenthood is represented as the

independent variable, we identify several factors that lead to adolescent parenthood,

including socioeconomic status, parental support, peer influence, and lack of sex education.

On the other hand, Academic Performance serves as the dependent variable, encompassing

various educational outcomes such as grades, attendance, and engagement. This paradigm

visually illustrates the interconnection between Adolescent Parenthood and Academic

Performance, highlighting the impact of parenthood on educational achievements among

teenage parents.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

ADOLESCENT PARENTHOOD

 Socioeconomic status
 Parental support
 Peer Influence ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
 Lack of Sex Education
Figure 1. Schematic Presentation Showing the Interplay of Variables in the Study

Statement of the Problem

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of adolescent parenthood on academic

performance among students at Mimbunga National High School. Specifically, it aims to

answer the following research questions:

 1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents?

2. What challenges do teenage parents face in managing their academic

responsibilities while raising children?

3. Is there a significant relationship between adolescent parenthood and academic

performance?

Hypotheses

Problem 1 is null hypothesis and problem 2 & 3 are hypothesis free

H2: There are significant challenges that teenage parents face in managing their academic

responsibilities while raising children.

H3: There is significant relationship between adolescent parenthood and academic

performance

Significance of the Study

The findings of this quantitative study will benefit the following:

School Administrators. This study will assist school administrators in developing targeted

programs to support teenage parents and enhance their academic success.

Teachers. This study will help teachers to evaluate the needs of teenage parents and improve

their support strategies accordingly.

Students. This study will provide insights into the challenges faced by teenage parents and

offer strategies to support them in their academic journey.

To the Future Researchers. This study will provide a background understanding and serve as

basis in order for them to understand more about how being adolescent parenthood affects

academic performance.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study seeks to examine the impact of adolescent parenthood on academic

performance among students at Mimbunga National High School. The research will focus

exclusively on teenage parents enrolled at Mimbunga National High School, aiming to

provide insights into their academic experiences and outcomes. Employing a quantitative

research approach and correlational design, the study will explore the relationship between

adolescent parenthood and academic performance. Data will be collected through surveys

administered to teenage parents at the school. However, it's important to acknowledge that

the findings may have limited generalizability beyond the specific context of Mimbunga

National High School. Potential limitations include reliance on self-reported data, constraints

in sample size, and the exclusive focus on teenage parents at a single high school, which may

impact the broader applicability of the results.

Definition of Terms
The following terms were operationally defined to achieve a better understanding of the

study:

Adolescent Parenthood. This refers to the state of being a parent during adolescence,

typically between the ages of 13 and 19 years old. In the context of this study, adolescent

parenthood specifically pertains to individuals who become parents during their teenage years

while attending high school.

Socioeconomic Status (SES). Socioeconomic status refers to the economic and social

position of individuals or families based on factors like income, education, and occupation.

Parental Support. Parental support involves the assistance and encouragement provided by

parents or guardians to their adolescent children, including emotional, financial, and practical

support.

Peer Influences. Peer influences are the effects that peers, individuals of similar age and

social status, have on each other's attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes.

Lack of Sex Education. Lack of sex education refers to the absence or inadequacy of

comprehensive information and instruction about human sexuality, reproductive health, and

contraception, leading to limited knowledge and understanding among adolescents.

Academic Performance. Academic performance refers to the level of achievement or

success attained by students in their educational endeavors, typically measured by grades, test

scores, and other indicators of learning and mastery of subject matter. In this study, academic

performance specifically pertains to the grades and overall educational outcomes of teenage

parents at Mimbunga National High School

Chapter 2
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter presented a view of related literature and studies. It discussed major insights and

substance to further support the present being problem. Discussions on adolescent

parenthood, factors including socioeconomic status, parental support, peer influenced lack of

sex educations, and its effects to academic performance.

ADOLESCENT PARENTHOOD

One of the most troublesome social problems facing our society today is the marked

increased over time in the number of adolescents who have become parents but are

insufficiently mature, unable, or unwilling to provide the adequate care, protection and

nurture child needs.

As discussed, a rapid increase in the level of teenage sexual activity has taken place in

the United States in the year 2018. At present, roughly 80 percent of young men and 70

percent of young women have sexual intercourse by the age nineteen (Zelnik and

Kantner,2018). According to Zelnik and Kantner (2018) that while teenagers are now

generally better prepared to use contraception, their rate of pregnancies has not declined, in

part because the rise in sexual activity among the youngest teenagers has not been parallelled

by as a great an increase in their practice of contraception.

In the Philippines, adolescent pregnancy became a significant national concern due to

a notable increase in the number of adolescents becoming parents prematurely as a result of

unintended pregnancies ( Pablo 2019). Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

showed a rise in adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19 years, with the most alarming trend being

the increase in families led by adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. The surge in teen pregnancies
prompted discussions on responsible sexuality, particularly in urban areas like Metro Manila,

where adolescents constitute a significant portion of the population. Notably, Navotas City

experienced a high proportion of adolescent pregnancies, with reports of pregnancies even

among Grade 4 students. (Maligaya2019). The Commission on Population and Development

(CPD) raised the alarm on the considerable rise in teen pregnancies and called for legislative

action to address the issue. Data from PSA highlighted a 35.13 percent increase in the

number of adolescent girls younger than 15 years old giving birth in 2022 compared to the

previous year.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Sing et al. (2017) examined the relationship between socioeconomic factors and

adolescent sexual and reproductive behavior in United States. The researchers found that

adolescent childbearing was more prevalent among women with low income and education

levels compared to their more advantaged peers. Moreover, another study by Odu et.al

(2017), focused on Nigeria, showed similar results, through int erviews and focus group

discussions with adolescent mothers, the researchers uncovered the challenges faced by the

young parents from disadvantaged backgrounds, including limited access to education and

employment opportunities.

According to Santelli et al. (2018), adolescents from lower socioeconomic

backgrounds are more likely to engage in early sexual activity compared to their peers from

higher socioeconomic status. Their study, which analyzed data from a nationally

representative sample of adolescents in the United States, found that factors such as poverty,

parental education level, and family structure were associated with increased risk of early
sexual debut among teenagers. This suggests that economic disadvantage can contribute to

early sexual initiation among adolescents.

Moreover, Miller et al. (2019) conducted a study examining the relationship between

socioeconomic status and adolescent pregnancy. Their findings indicated that teenagers from

lower SES backgrounds were more likely to experience unintended pregnancies and become

parents at an early age. Economic factors such as limited access to reproductive health

services, lack of comprehensive sex education, and financial instability were identified as key

contributors to the higher prevalence of adolescent parenthood among disadvantaged youth.

Furthermore, Harden et al. (2019) explored the influence of neighborhood-level

socioeconomic disadvantage on adolescent sexual behavior. Their study, which focused on

urban communities in the United States, revealed that adolescents residing in

socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to engage in risky sexual

behaviors, including early sexual debut and unprotected intercourse. The researchers

suggested that neighborhood-level poverty and lack of resources may contribute to the

adoption of risky sexual practices among teenagers.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Parents play a vital role in the lives of young to help them make good choices and not

become parents too early. According to the study Smith and Jones (2017) conducted in

Europe, adolescents who reported higher levels of parental support were less likely to engage

in risky sexual behaviors and experience early parenthood. The study highlighted the

importance of open communication, parental supervision, and emotional support in

mitigating the risk of adolescent pregnancy. Similarly, research by Kim et al. (2018) in a
North American setting found that adolescents who perceived greater parental support were

more likely to delay sexual debut and use contraception effectively, reducing the likelihood

of unintended pregnancies.

In Cebu City, Philippines, Santos and Rivera (2020) studied that adolescents who

observed positive parental role modelling, such as responsible parenting practices and

pursuing their children educational career goals, were more likely to delay early parenthood

and strive for future aspirations beyond early childbearing. Parental support in modelling

healthy behaviors and future oriented attitudes influenced adolescents decisions regarding

parenthood.

PEER INFLUENCE

This is when one is forced to do what others are doing in a group in order to fit in that

group or to belong in that group without interfering with others. This mostly affects teenagers

who come from poor families who strive to be like others. They seek money and other

materials like pocket money and clothes that are fashionable like their peers from men of

which they end up trapped in tat by pregnancy. In this groups if you cannot do what others

are doing, then you are kicked out by the leader and in order to escape that embarrassment

they go ahead and do what they are told to do. This has led many girls into pregnancy, which

is very sad. (Garcia et al. 2018)

Peer influence, or the impact of friends and peers on adolescents' behaviors and

decisions, is a significant factor in understanding adolescent parenthood. Research has

consistently shown that peers play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards sex

and relationships (Santrock, 2019). Adolescents often look to their peers for guidance and

validation, leading to the adoption of similar behaviors and values (Steinberg & Monahan,

2018). Studies have found that adolescents who associate with peers who engage in risky
behaviors, such as early sexual activity or unprotected sex, are more likely to engage in

similar behaviors themselves (Snyder et al., 2019). This peer influence can be particularly

strong during adolescence, as teenagers seek to fit in with their peers and establish their

identities (Brown, 2017).

Furthermore, peer influence extends beyond direct interactions to include perceptions

of peer norms and expectations. Adolescents may feel pressure to conform to perceived peer

norms regarding sexual behavior, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors (Crosnoe et al.,

2020 ). Additionally, the influence of peers on adolescents' attitudes towards contraception

and pregnancy can impact their decision-making regarding sexual health (Bearman &

Brückner, 2001).

LACK OF SEX EDUCATION

The absence of proper sex education for adolescents is pressing concerns. Studies

have shown that adolescents who receive limited or no sex education are more likely to

engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected intercourse and early initiation of

sexual activity (Kirby, 2017). Without proper knowledge about sexual health and

contraception, adolescents are at higher risk of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted

infections (STIs), and other reproductive health issues (Santelli et al., 2017).

Furthermore, the lack of sex education can perpetuate misconceptions and stigma

surrounding sexual health topics, leading to shame, embarrassment, and reluctance to seek

information or support (Schalet 2017). Adolescents may also turn to unreliable sources of

information, such as peers or the internet, which can propagate misinformation and increase

the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors (Gupta et al., 2017).

Inadequate sex education programs not only impact individual adolescents but also have

broader societal implications. Without proper education about sexual health and rights,

adolescents may face barriers to accessing essential reproductive health services and may

experience discrimination or judgment when seeking support (UNESCO, 2018). Addressing

the lack of sex education requires comprehensive, evidence-based programs that provide

accurate information, promote healthy attitudes towards sexuality, and empower adolescents

to make informed decisions about their sexual health (WHO, 2018).

In the Philippines, the lack of comprehensive sex education has been identified as a

critical issue affecting adolescent health and well-being. Studies conducted in the country

have highlighted the detrimental effects of inadequate sex education on adolescents'

knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual health. Research indicates that many

Filipino adolescents lack accurate information about contraception, STIs, and reproductive

health, leading to misconceptions and risky sexual behaviors (Marquez et al., 2019).

Additionally, cultural and religious factors often contribute to the limited availability of sex

education in schools and communities, further exacerbating the problem (Go et al., 2018).

Moreover, the Philippines faces unique challenges in addressing the lack of sex

education due to conservative social norms and policies that restrict discussions about

sexuality and contraception (Medina et al., 2017). Despite efforts to implement sex education

programs in schools, gaps in implementation and curriculum content remain significant

barriers to ensuring that adolescents receive comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual health

education (Arenas et al., 2020)

To address these challenges, there is a growing call for evidence-based sex education

programs that are culturally sensitive, inclusive, and accessible to all adolescents in the

Philippines (Olalia et al., 2021). By prioritizing the implementation of comprehensive sex

education policies and programs, policymakers and stakeholders can empower Filipino

adolescents with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their

sexual health and well-being.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Adolescent parenthood has been widely studied for its significant impact on various

aspects of youths' lives, including their academic performance. Research from the United

States by Smith et al. (2018) suggests that adolescent parents often face challenges balancing

their parental responsibilities with academic obligations, leading to lower academic

achievement and higher dropout rates compared to their non-parenting peers. The demands of

childcare, financial constraints, and limited support networks contribute to increased stress

and reduced time available for studying and attending school.

Furthermore, studies conducted in Mexico by Martinez and Rivera (2019) have

highlighted the long-term consequences of adolescent parenthood on educational attainment,

with teen parents being less likely to complete high school or pursue higher education. The

responsibilities of having a child can lead them in finding a job and limiting the opportunities

for further education and career advancement. People might look down them because they’re

young parents, which can make school even harder.

However, different study conducted in South Africa stated that, unlike in most other

African countries, girls usually continue their education after giving birth (Chigona & Chetty,

2018; Marteleto, Lam & Ranchod, 2018) and they delay completing their schooling rather

than dropping out . Unfortunately, only approximately one third of teenage mothers return to

school. Panday et al. (2019) noted that a delay in returning to school could reduce the
likelihood of ever pursuing further education and also reduce level of school performance.

Equally the likelihood of failing a grade increases with pregnancy. The educators were of the

opinion that pregnancy and motherhood do not necessarily end a teenager's schooling;

nonetheless for those who remain in school or return following childbirth, it does impact on

their grades and at times their progress in school.

Despite these challenges, some research suggests that supportive interventions and

resources tailored to the needs of adolescent parents can mitigate the negative effects on

academic performance. Programs offering childcare assistance, academic support, and

counseling services have shown promise in improving educational outcomes and increasing

graduation rates among teen parents. Moreover, initiatives aimed at promoting

comprehensive sex education and access to contraception can help prevent adolescent

pregnancies, thus reducing the likelihood of disruptions to academic trajectories.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the rise in the number of youths

who are not attending school can be attributed to minors who are forced into marriage as a

result of unintended pregnancies. According to figures from the 2020 Census, the Philippines

is presently ranked 13th among the nations with the greatest populations in the world. The

problem of teen pregnancy in the Philippines has caused many Filipino teenagers to be

coerced into marriage. The sad reality of today is that the majority of Filipino teenagers have

children of their own at a relatively young age. According to a recent survey, more than

200,000 Filipino women between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant each year, and

every day, more than 500 adolescent girls give birth in the nation. (Delimma,2022)

In Cebu Philippines, Chakraborty and Villa (2020) investigated the impact of adolescent

parenthood on education and labor outcomes. They found that early parenthood was

associated with poorer educational outcomes for both teen mothers and fathers, with a
stronger effect observed for mothers. Additionally, teen parents faced challenges in the labor

market, with decreased labor market participation for mothers and increased participation for

fathers upon becoming parents. The study emphasized the importance of delaying first

childbirth for adolescents to mitigate the negative educational and labor market consequences

associated with early parenthood.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presented, research design, respondents of the study or the population,

sampling design and the research instruments such as questionnaires were discussed. The

reliability tests of the results, validity of the questionnaires and data analysis were also

tackled.

Research Design

This study will use a quantitative research design as an effective approach for investigating

the impact of adolescent parenthood on academic performance. The advantage of employing

a quantitative research design is that it allows for the systematic collection and analysis of

numerical data, providing clear and objective insights into the relationship between variables

(Smith et al., 2020). Data will be collected through surveys or questionnaires to directly

gather information from the participants, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the

relationship between these variables.

Setting
 This study will be conducted at Mimbunga National High School located at Brgy.

Mimbunga Gingoog City (Google Map) with population of _720_ including the

administration, students, teachers, guard, utility, and the student assistance.

Figure 2. Map of the researchers conducted

Sampling Procedure

For this study we are selecting participants from Mimbunga National High School

using purposive sampling. The total population of the students is 692, we will focus on

choosing participants based on specific criteria related to teenage parenthood and based on

our pre-interview there were 20 of the total population are already parents while still

studying. Purposive sampling helps us target individuals directly affected by adolescent

parenthood, ensuring our study captures diverse experiences within this group. This approach

allows us to gather valuable insights into how adolescent parenthood influences academic

performance.

Grade Respondents
Level

Grade 7 1

Grade 8 1

Grade 9 3
 Grade 10 3

Grade 11 2

Grade 12 4

Research Instrument

The researchers will adapt and modify questionnaires from the studies of Smith and Elder

(2018) titled 'The Educational Outcomes of Teenage Parents' and 'Exploring the Academic

Challenges Faced by Teenage Mothers' by Jones and Robinson (2020), and 'Impact of

Teenage Pregnancy on Academic Performance' by Baker (2022). These questionnaires were

selected based on their relevance to the topic of the impact of Adolescent Parenthood on

academic performance.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will begin by preparing survey questionnaires for face-to-face data

collection. Upon receiving approval from the teacher, they will visit classrooms to administer

the surveys to participants. Engaging in conversations, they will gather additional insights

and clarify any responses. After collecting all the data, they will meticulously review the

surveys for completeness and accuracy. Finally, they will proceed to analyze the gathered

information to draw meaningful conclusions.

Statistical Treatment and Data Analysis

The following statistical techniques will be used in the study.
 Frequency and Percentage. These techniques will help us understand how

adolescent parenthood affects students' academic performance. We'll use them to see how

common different impacts are among the participants.

Mean. We'll calculate the mean to see the average academic performance of teenage

parents. This will give us a general idea of how well they're doing in school.

Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This will show us if there's a

connection between being a teenage parent and academic performance. It'll help us see how

closely related these two things are for our participants.