THE MANDEVILLE region has the second highest number of teenage pregnancies in Jamaica, according to a study done by two students attending the Northern Caribbean University (NCU).
In the study entitled 'Factors Contributing to the High Level of Teenage Pregnancies in Secondary/High schools in Mandeville', the authors, Audrea Oritheneer and Rose-Marie Isaacs, cited statistics collected by the Women's Centre, which recorded some 223 teen mothers in 2002. The figure has since risen to 236 in 2003, and includes the incidents of teenage pregnancy in the adjoining town of Junction in St. Elizabeth. This alarming rate is of concern, not only to parents and teachers, but to members of the medical fraternity as well.
Executive Director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, Dr. Glenda Simms, a source quoted in the research project, finds the situation "troubling and depressing".
CHIEF CAUSES
Chief among the causes of teenage pregnancy, according to the study, are lack of parental guidance, ignorance about conception, reliance on myths and failure to take precautionary measures when engaged in the sex act. Three of seven girls interviewed stated that they believe that drinking Pepsi-cola after having sex or engaging in the activity in the sea would prevent pregnancy. In trying to keep her sexual activity from her parents, one girl went as far as diluting her urine each time she visited the doctor so that all tests showed she was not pregnant when, in fact, she was.
According to the NCU researchers, another contributing factor to teenage pregnancies in the Mandeville region is the socio-economic status of the girls' families. Some of the girls, who formed the focus group for the project, reported being often expected to financially provide for themselves or at least "procure financiers" in this regard. Additionally, many mothers send their daughters out to get money from male "friends of the family" who end up taking advantage of the often unsuspecting girls. The research also points to the media, charging that "to a large extent (it has) been contributing to a vast number of teenagers becoming pregnant".
SEX ON DISPLAY
This view arises from the fact that sex and sexual behaviours are displayed in a variety of advertisements and other television programming, enough to expose the teens to sexual activity. In order to improve the situation, Oritheneer and Isaacs suggested that community groups such as churches, parent-teachers' associations and health clinics devise special programmes to teach the girls the truth about sex and the importance of abstinence; to engage them in extra-curricular activities; and to dispel the myths to which they hold dear.
The study was completed in fulfilment of a research course within the Bachelor's in Education degree programme at NCU, and was presented recently at a research symposium at the Mandeville-based university. The researchers interviewed a focus group of seven girls; two parents; a guidance counsellor and a teacher. Observation was also made of students during different group activities.
