Introduction
"Lift up your radiant brow, this day, Youth of my native strand! Your abounding talents show resplendently and grand, Fair hope of my Motherland!" -Jose P. Rizal
In Jose P. Rizal's perspective, young individuals serve as a beacon of hope for our nation despite the potential risks they face such as delinquency, drug addiction, gang involvement, and vices like smoking, drinking, and gambling. The challenges confronted by teenagers also include unplanned pregnancies which may result in abortion or unprepared parenthood.
However, according to UNICEF research findings teenage parents are more likely to encounter negative consequences including dropping out of school, having low qualifications or no qualifications at all. They may also face unemployment or receive poor wages while experiencing neglect or abuse. Moreover,t hey could engage in drugs,c rime,and alcohol.This raises concerns about whether children born to teenage mothers begin life with
...a disadvantage.Teenage parenting significantly changes one's life and brings substantial responsibilities.
Teenagers experience physical changes during pregnancy that can be difficult. Moreover, they frequently lack emotional and financial readiness for the responsibilities of motherhood. This unpreparedness makes them vulnerable to risks they may not fully comprehend. Typically, teenage mothers have inadequate eating habits and are less inclined to consume essential daily multivitamins for proper prenatal nutrition.
Teenage mothers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs during pregnancy. These actions can harm both the baby's and the mother's health. Consequently, there is an increased risk of malnutrition for both. Moreover, teenage mothers are less inclined to seek necessary prenatal care. Regular prenatal care is crucial since it allows for monitoring fetal growth, maintaining a healthy weight for the mother, an
receiving guidance on proper nutrition and self-care during pregnancy. Early pregnancies have long-lasting negative consequences for both teenage parents and their baby. According to the American Medical Association, babies born to women who do not receive regular prenatal care are four times more likely to die before their first birthday. Additionally, unplanned pregnancies contribute to higher rates of abortion.
According to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer on July 14, 2008, our country has a higher rate of abortions compared to the United States, even though abortion is illegal here. The rate is 25 out of every 1,000 women in our country and 23 out of every 1,000 women in the United States. It is likely that there are many unreported abortions happening here performed by untrained individuals known as "hilots" who use questionable sterilization methods. This increases the risk of complications like tetanus poisoning. The Department of Health data shows that young mothers are more likely to experience fetal deaths and their babies often have low birth weight. Single parents also face discrimination and social stigma regardless of age.
Teenage parents often encounter health, emotional, and economic difficulties despite some successfully navigating the challenges of raising a child. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancies among teenagers is indicative of the low social status linked to this matter. According to a study by researchers at the University of London's Institute of Education, a child's development is greatly influenced by their parents' social class. In an examination involving 11,000 seven-year-old children, it was observed that those with parents in professional or managerial positions were significantly more advanced in terms of progress compared to their peers from socially disadvantaged
households where parental unemployment was widespread.
Researchers conducted a study on children's reading, maths, and listening skills as well as analyzing teachers' assessments. The findings indicate that teenage parenthood has negative ramifications for both young individuals and their offspring. Furthermore, it presents risks to broader social and moral stability.
Various factors contribute to adolescent pregnancy worldwide including low self-esteem, hostile family environment, underprivileged socioeconomic status, and a family history of teen pregnancy.
In the Philippines, a 2002 study conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation discovered that 26% of Filipino youth aged 15 and above confessed to participating in premarital sex. This increases their susceptibility to early parenthood. Additionally, concerning statistics reveal that 38% of youth in the country are already involved in live-in arrangements.
The World Bank's data unveils that the Philippines is among the top ten countries experiencing an increasing number of teenage mothers at a rate of 3.
Teenage parents are more likely to raise their children in poverty and depend on public assistance. They also face difficult life events, dysfunctional family dynamics, and low levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, they frequently experience stress related to obstacles in education and work, relationships with others, health problems, and worries about their future parenting abilities. It is important to mention that others usually cover their comparatively lower healthcare costs.
The researchers are planning to carry out a study that seeks to gather initial information on the detrimental consequences of early parenthood in teenagers. This data will aid teenagers and other individuals involved in making well-informed choices regarding their present circumstances. Additionally, it will function as a resource for enhancing the healthcare
system's assistance for teenage parents, encouraging them to work towards improving their own lives and the lives of their children. The literature review comprises excerpts from nursing books, online articles, and theses in order to enrich the study's foundation.
The research primarily focuses on the negative consequences of teenage parenthood, but there is limited understanding of the experiences and perspectives of young parents. It has long been believed that early parenthood hinders identity development due to the perceived lack of maturity in providing adequate care for children. However, adolescent mothers in families with support can display nurturing qualities similar to older mothers. Factors like poverty, family disruption, unemployment, partner abuse, and a history of abuse or neglect during their own childhood contribute to less responsive parenting among mothers regardless of age.
Childhood illnesses, injuries, behavioral problems, delinquency, teenage parenthood, and poor academic performance in children are more likely to occur in difficult circumstances (Moffitt, 2002; Turkey, 2003). Strong evidence indicates that early intensive interventions for high-risk children and their parents can have long-term positive effects on children's outcomes (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2009). These interventions specifically target those at risk due to various factors such as parental depression which is prevalent in some studies of early childhood interventions like early Head Start (Administration for Children and Families, 2002). Teenage fathers also face social, emotional, educational, and physical disadvantages alongside adolescent mothers who are unprepared for parenthood (Herbert and Harper-Dorton, 2002). Society often perceives young fathers as problematic individuals with little concern for their baby or the mother (Pollock. 2001).
Similar to expectant young mothers, potential young fathers may face surprises and uncertainty when they discover
a pregnancy. They also encounter the difficulties of parenthood and lack support in adjusting to their new role as fathers (Davis, 2001; Pollock, Quinton and Golding, 2002). Teenage fathers undergo negative consequences comparable to teenage mothers in terms of physical, psychological, educational, and occupational circumstances. They are more likely than their peers to quit school, have an unstable employment history, experience depression, engage in criminal behavior, drug use, and alcohol consumption. Many young fathers lack cognitive and emotional maturity and possess unrealistic expectations for their children. They may feel uncertain about their role as a father and fail to actively participate in their children's lives (Bunting and McAuley , 2004). Regrettably,
many young fathers are not mentally prepared for fatherhood (Fagan Barnett Bernd Whiteman 2003),
and staying involved with the mother often leads to additional pregnancies.
Both circumstances decrease the long-term stability and economic prospects of these families. Teenage parents are either feckless or sexually irresponsible young mothers who hold a desire to secure, unfairly, social housing or benefits, while teenage fathers are more than likely to be absent from their children’s care (Sawtell, 2005). An alternative point of view is that the major disadvantages experienced by teenage mothers and fathers and their children-inadequate health care, poor nutrition, limited educational and career opportunities, troubled neighborhoods, and high family instability-result from poverty (Ross- Leadbeater and Way, 2001). Adolescents living in poverty are more likely to become parents during their teenage years and to develop long-term dependency on public assistance. Often under-reported are the more positive aspects of becoming a parent – particularly where young people find themselves challenged in contexts of family poverty, homelessness and social deprivation where educational
and employment opportunities are limited (Barn and Mantovani, 2007; Hanna, 2001). For those young women experiencing disruption and distress in their lives, becoming a mother can ground them in a relationship with someone they care for and love (Chase and Aggleton, 2006).
The Local Studies Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. (FFPDI) is expressing concern about the increasing number of teenage pregnancies in recent years. While some 16-year-old girls worry about their prom dresses, others face more pressing issues such as pregnancy and assisting their 19-year-old partner who is currently incarcerated. The partner was arrested for stealing a manhole cover in order to buy food. FFPDI believes that the government's lack of commitment towards addressing population growth and reproductive health concerns is the underlying cause of this problem. Benjamin de Leon, president of FFPDI, cites data from the National Statistics Office which reveals that out of 1.7 million babies born in 2004, nearly 8 percent were born to mothers aged 15-19.
In 2000, approximately 30 percent of Filipino women gave birth before the age of 21, resulting in a total of 818,000 babies born to young mothers. This means that nearly one in ten infants were delivered by teenage mothers. If births after March 5, 2005 are considered, this number could potentially be higher. It is essential to offer support to these children as they will eventually become parents, workers, and leaders in the future. To ensure they can effectively fulfill these roles, it is crucial to enhance their education and provide them with information on sexuality and reproduction.
(Ramos, 2008) Despite the rise in premarital sex among Filipino youth, their families uphold conservative beliefs and avoid discussing this subject with
their teenage children. Conversations about sex are rare among typical parents due to societal taboos. However, Filipino youth still have to confront the consequences of teenage parenthood resulting from engaging in premarital sex.
According to Kiko dela Tonga, of the Likhaan Foundation, a recent study by the Population Institute of the University of the Philippines revealed that more than four million Filipinos aged 15-19 have participated in sexual intercourse. Of these individuals, over half come from disadvantaged backgrounds and lack knowledge about contraceptives and reproductive health. Unwanted teenage pregnancies contribute to 40% of all cases, leading to over 46% of young pregnant women resorting to induced abortions. Furthermore, one in four teenage mothers drop out of school to focus on raising their child or finding employment for their families' support. The challenges and rejection faced by young parents worsen their already difficult circumstances, causing them not fully understand the severe consequences resulting from early parenthood.
No matter the social status of the teenage parent, they will encounter challenges that demand maturity. Parents have a critical role in all aspects of their child's life and it is vital to provide guidance and support to nurture responsible individuals. According to broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano, if a young person makes an irreversible mistake like becoming pregnant, parents should offer guidance instead of disowning their pregnant child.
According to Dr. Gloria Itchon of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, research shows that 10% of infants born to teenage mothers experience malnutrition and one in five babies born to teenage mothers die due to different causes. These statistics emphasize the lack of emotional, mental, and physical readiness of young mothers in taking
care of their own children.
It is now clear that a troubling truth confronts us: many young individuals in today's society become parents at a very early age. Although the experience of becoming a parent early on may not be pleasant, it has unfortunately become all too common. Statistics show that every year, at least 64,000 teenagers undergo abortions, even in countries where abortion is prohibited. This contradiction presents a challenge for devout Catholics who prioritize the preservation of life. Fear also plays a significant role in this issue, including fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, and an overwhelming amount of fear that confuses teenage parents. In general, the situation looks grim for pregnant teenage girls and their babies.
Due to limited options and lack of support, many girls and their partners resort to various methods to terminate pregnancies. Women's groups argue that it is crucial to introduce sex education in government schools. Dr. Junice Melgar, the executive director of Likhaan, emphasizes the importance of delaying pregnancies for both physical well-being and economic advantages. It is known that young individuals with opportunities are more likely to postpone engaging in sexual activities and getting pregnant, as well as completing their education and securing better employment chances. Nowadays, the youth are constantly exposed to inaccurate information about sex through mass media, which leads to an increasing number of early sexual experiences and other risky behaviors.
This leads to the increase in teenage parents. There is a pressing need to address this issue, and we can only do so by acknowledging that withholding accurate information about reproductive health from young individuals will not prevent them from engaging in promiscuous behavior.
The Ateneo Professors have issued a position paper on the RH Bill, as the country is currently taking significant steps to tackle reproductive health problems and the rise of teenage parents. According to a 2002 survey, the reasons cited by youth for not using contraceptives, in descending order of importance, include: lack of knowledge about contraception, belief that contraception goes against their religion or is dangerous to their health, objections from their partners, and the perception that sex is less enjoyable with contraception. However, when female respondents who had already engaged in sexual activity were asked in the 1994 YAFS survey if they were willing and prepared to become parents, an overwhelming 94 percent of them stated that they were not (POPCOM 2002, citing the 1994 YAFSS 2). The country is now faced with the question of who should educate our young people about reproductive health, sexuality, and responsible sexual behavior. Socialization agents such as family, peers, church, religion, and media play a crucial role in the development of youth by imparting values and acceptable norms of behavior for their society.
The Catholic Church strongly opposes the inclusion of sex education in public school curricula because they believe it will spark curiosity about sex, lead to premarital sex, promiscuity, and worsen the teenage pregnancy rate. However, Ateneo professors argue that providing information and education on reproductive health to young people will help them become responsible adults who can exercise their sexual rights, plan their families, and make informed choices. The United Nations Population Fund emphasizes that sex education leads to responsible behavior, increased abstinence, delayed initiation of sexual activity, greater use of contraception, and fewer
sexual partners. They also stress the importance of honest communication between parents and children. President Benigno Aquino III of the Philippines has declared full support for developing a policy to address the population issue.The concept revolves around responsible parenthood, emphasizing the vital role parents play in enabling their children to lead fulfilling lives. It also involves educating parents on how to effectively plan their families, allowing them to establish households that can adequately meet their needs.
The urgent need for this declaration to be realized is due to the growing number of teenage parents. In order to address their unpreparedness for the next stage of life, it is crucial to implement programs aimed at alleviating their various struggles. Additionally, Richard Gordon, a presidential candidate, emphasizes the importance of sex education being taught in schools rather than children learning about it from the streets. With the proliferation of mass media and the internet, it is crucial for sex education to be properly taught. Ideally, children would learn about it from their parents or in schools.
The country is taking action due to the alarming data on increasing teenage parents, in order to prevent the potential effects of population explosion and its impact on the economy. Having children at a young age and without proper education can result in an uncontrollable number of children that a couple might struggle to raise, and it can also make it more difficult for them to find employment due to the standard requirements. The United Nations reports that 47 percent of the population in the Philippines is below 19 years of age, which emphasizes the need to provide young people with information that
can help them grow up healthy, make wise choices for themselves and their families, and lift them out of poverty. Teenage parenthood poses challenges for these young parents as they take on their new role of caring for their infants. Parenting stress is one of the negative consequences associated with this, as it can lead to negative outcomes such as poor parental health and problematic parenting approaches. These negative effects can affect child functioning, including disruptive behaviors and child maltreatment. The issue of early parenthood among teenagers in the country is also linked to lower levels of education, higher rates of poverty, and poorer overall life outcomes for children born to teenage mothers.
Both employment and social class are impacted by early childbearing. The relationship between teenage pregnancy and not finishing high school limits the career prospects of numerous young women. Teenage fathers also face difficulties as they may feel obligated to provide for their child. However, due to the minimal financial assistance provided by the government for such couples, coupled with the typically low income earned by teenage fathers, they are unable to fully support their child.
Infant psychosocial development can be impacted by early parenthood, leading to a higher likelihood of developmental disabilities and behavioral issues in children. This is particularly true for teenagers who are less likely to engage in affectionate behaviors such as touch, smiling, and verbal communication with their infant, or to be sensitive and accepting of their needs. The study was conducted with the theoretical framework of Dorothea Orem's General Theory of Nursing (1971), Roy Callista's Adaptation Theory (1979), and Rosemarie Parse's Human Becoming Theory (1999). According to Orem's theory, nursing
is necessary when the demands for self-care exceed the individual's abilities.
Within the domain of nursing, there are three interconnected ideas: self care, self-care deficit, and nursing systems. Self-care encompasses the actions that an individual undertakes independently throughout their lifespan in order to foster and uphold personal welfare. Self-care deficit arises when an individual's capacity to engage in self-directed activities is insufficient to meet recognized self-care requirements. The challenges of becoming a parent at a young age can be incredibly arduous, constituting a profoundly transformative experience in which the pressures of everyday life heighten the risk of developing depression during this period.
Having a child is a transformative experience that has significant physical, social, and emotional impacts. Despite the demands of parenthood, it is crucial for parents to prioritize their own well-being and be mindful of the needs of their child. Unfortunately, some parents may lack the necessary knowledge to address health-related concerns, leading to ineffective parenting approaches and impacting the child's functioning and behavior.
Teenage parents lack the ability to perform self-care activities and require guidance and assistance to fulfill their responsibilities. Nurses play a crucial role in assisting teenage parents through various methods such as helping, acting, guiding, teaching, supporting, and creating an environment that enhances their ability to meet current and future demands. Roy's Adaptation Model offers a framework for understanding individuals and their surroundings, allowing nurses to prioritize care and assist patients in moving from mere survival to personal growth and transformation.
According to Sister Callista Roy's Adaptation Theory, the process and result of integrating oneself with one's surroundings through conscious awareness and choice is called adaptation. She defines health as the process of becoming
integrated and considers adaptation responses to be beneficial for achieving health. On the other hand, ineffective or maladaptive responses do not contribute to health. This theory sees the client as an adaptive system.
According to Roy’s model, the goal of nursing is to support individuals in coping with the various negative effects of early parenthood and the changes in their physiological needs, self-concept, role function, and independent relations during both health and illness (Alligood and MarrinesTomey, 2002).
As teenagers, they lack sufficient knowledge about proper and safe parenthood. They must adapt to internal and external demands such as fulfilling their own basic physiological needs and those of their child. Additionally, they must develop a positive self-concept in order to become good and responsible parents. Teen parents are often perceived as lacking adequate coping skills and social support.
Teen parents face the difficult task of navigating the transition from their own families to raising a child. In order to fulfill societal expectations, they must find a balance between their relationships with friends and family. Being a parent is a challenging responsibility, and they need support to help them cope with the stress that comes along with it. According to Rosemarie Parse, in her Human Becoming Theory, nurses should fully immerse themselves in the client's situation and understand the deeper meanings beyond the present moment.
Human becoming involves the individual's choice in giving meaning to personal experiences and their significance. It is a process of interacting with the world and assigning varying levels of importance to events. The concept also encompasses the creation of a harmonious relationship with the universe, promoting diversity and reaching beyond oneself. In contrast, teenage parents have
limited knowledge about parenting, resulting in less nurturing behavior and more negative interactions with their children. From a human becoming perspective, nursing aims to enhance the quality of life by empowering individuals to take ownership and make informed decisions regarding their health patterns (Parse, 2006).
The nurse's role involves assisting parents in promoting health by guiding and encouraging them to express their thoughts and emotions about the negative consequences of becoming parents at a young age. The research paradigm in Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between teenagers in selected communities in Bacoor, Cavite as the independent variable and the level of negative effects of early parenthood as the dependent variable. The intervening variables include age, civil status, educational attainment, employment status, gender, number of children, support network, and religion. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of negative effects of early parenthood among teenagers in selected communities in Bacoor, Cavite. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions: 1.
This study aimed to analyze the profile of teenagers in selected communities in Bacoor, Cavite based on their age, civil status, educational attainment, employment status, gender, number of children, support network, and religion. Additionally, it sought to determine the extent of negative effects caused by early parenthood among teenagers in Bacoor, Cavite. It also examined whether there were significant differences in the level of negative effects based on various factors such as age, civil status, educational attainment, employment status, gender, number of children, and support network. A null hypothesis was tested stating that there would be no significant difference in the level of negative effects among teenage parents in these communities. The scope of the
study was limited to teenage parents aged 14 to 19 years old residing in Bayanan, Green Valley, Molino 3, Queens Row, and Talaba 7.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and assess the negative effects of early parenthood on teenagers. The data gathering took place during the summer classes in May 2011. The participants were teenagers between the ages of 14 to 19 who currently had a child, regardless of their gender, marital status, and residence in Bacoor, Cavite. The goal of this study was to improve the nursing profession by identifying the extent of the negative effects of early parenthood on teenagers and developing effective nursing care and interventions for this population. The researchers believed that the findings of this study would benefit the respondents by providing them with information about the negative effects of early parenthood and helping them improve their lives.
This study aims to inform and guide nurses in creating personalized nursing care for teenage parents by providing knowledge on the disadvantages of early parenthood. By doing so, the study hopes to fulfill the goals for this specific client group and improve the overall health and well-being of these individuals. Additionally, community leaders will also benefit from the study by obtaining updated information on the living conditions of teenage parents in their respective areas. This will enable them to develop new strategies and make a positive impact on the community's status.
This study focuses on the negative effects of early parenthood on teenagers. Its aim is to inform nursing students about these effects and emphasize the importance of understanding individual needs and perspectives. By doing so, nursing students can provide
better healthcare for both teenage parents and their children in a holistic manner. This study also serves as a guide for future researchers, offering information on teenage parenthood that can be used as a reference for conducting follow-up studies. Additionally, it provides a wealth of diverse information that can be enhanced and made more effective and applicable to the study's respondents.
The study uses the following terms with the following definitions:
- Age: The number of years that an individual has lived. It is categorized as 14-16 years old and 17-19 years old.
- Civil Status: This refers to the social status of an individual, whether married or a single parent.
Educational Attainment refers to the highest education attained by the respondents and is categorized as elementary level/graduate, high school level/graduate, college level/graduate, and vocational course. Employment Status refers to the occupation or work done by teenage parents for livelihood.
The study categorizes individuals as either employed or unemployed. It also considers the gender, which is determined biologically as male or female. The level of negative effects resulting from early parenthood is also taken into account. This refers to the extent of undesirable consequences experienced by individuals who become parents at a young age. Additionally, the number of children is considered.
This term pertains to the number of children born to teenage parents, categorized as either 1-2 or 3 and above. Support Network refers to the teenager's parental figures, relatives, friends, or other individuals who assist in raising their children. In this research, Support Network is further categorized as being supported by family, supported by friends or others, or receiving no support at all.
Religion, specifically the spiritual beliefs of individuals categorized
as Catholic and Non-Catholic, is the focus of this study. Chapter 2, titled Methodology, discusses the research design and procedure employed in this research.
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