Teachers’ perception of selected mitigation measures on teenage pregnancy in public primary schools in Nandi North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy continues to be a significant concern in Kenya and around the world. Mitigation measures have been adopted to curb this problem, including policies and programmes that governments establish to address teenage pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of such measures is a result of numerous forces, including teachers who deal directly with teenagers on a daily basis. Consequently, this study’s goal was to look at instructors’ perception of selected mitigation measures (digital sexual literacy, sexual abstinence programmes, life skills education and parental closeness) regarding teenage pregnancy in Nandi North Sub-County, Nandi County, Kenya’s early childhood and primary schools. The target population was 1387 teachers, l72 assistance and direction for instructors from 172 public primary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. Krejcie and Morgan formula was used to sample 301 teachers from the target of 1387. A total of 24 guidance and counselling teachers were chosen from 172 representing 14% through the rule of thumb for data saturation. A total of 301 teachers were selected from the six education zones, namely Kabisaga (50), Sang’alo (53), Kabiyet (48), Kabyemit (52), Kurkung (46) and Chepterwai (51), using a proportionate stratified random sampling method. Counselors and qualified counsellors were chosen through proportionate methods of sampling that are stratified and random. A survey for educators and a timetable for guidance and counselling instructors were used for the purpose of gathering data. The reliability of research instruments was ascertained both in terms of appearance and substance. How dependable are the research instrument was determined through test and re-test technique? Information Management Software (SPSS Version 25.0) was used for descriptive statistical analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data from Interviews with important informants were analysed using a thematic approach. The study found out that teachers had positive perceptions of selected mitigation measures on teenage the Nandi North Sub-County area’s public elementary schools and parenthood in the following order: sexual abstinence programmes (mean=3.92, standard deviation=l.l2), parental closeness (mean=3.84 Std. dev=l.24), life skills education (mean=3.80, Std. dev=l.24) and digital sexual literacy (mean=3.75, standard deviation=l.l3) in that order. Thus, most instructors believed that chosen mitigation strategies reduce adolescent pregnancy in public elementary schools. Teachers should leam digital sexual literacy to help teens. Schools should incorporate sexual abstinence programs with comprehensive sex education, including life skills instruction in the school schedule, and foster strong adolescent-parent connections to reduce teen pregnancy