A survey conducted by Capstone-Intel Corp. found that 72% of Filipinos consider teenage pregnancy a serious issue in their community. The study, which gathered responses from 1,210 individuals between September 20 and 27, 2023, highlights growing concerns over the problem.
According to the findings, 21% of respondents believe teenage pregnancy is a moderate concern, while only 6% do not see it as a significant issue. The remaining respondents were uncertain about its impact in their area.
Dr. Bernadette Madrid, head of the Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit, underscored the severity of the issue, stating, “Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue that can have long-term impacts on both young parents and their children.”
The survey also revealed that while 61% of respondents had received formal education on sexual health and contraception during their teenage years, 31% did not, and 7% were unsure.
Madrid pointed out that “The survey highlights that lack of comprehensive sex education is seen as the top contributing factor to teenage pregnancy, with 76% of respondents providing this answer.” She also noted the potential health risks of teenage pregnancy, including complications, premature birth, and low birth weight.
She stressed the importance of preventive measures, saying, “Strengthening widespread sex education and improving access to reproductive health resources can play a crucial role in preventing these risks and ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.”
